Totara Park to Mercer: Hot Days, Dangerous Motorway Walking, & Poorly Maintained Trail | Vlog 11/22

[@nadeansimmons226]

The thing is NZ is a big place with not many people and somehow you are expecting swept up amazing trails all the time. NZ is mostly a wild place and many trails get wrecked in bad weather etc. Lots of the trail will be maintained by volunteers and therefore not always a perfect trail.

[@Caroline604]

I've watched every single video you've done. The 'whoop whoop, hashtag winning' count is low on this trail. In fact, I've not heard it yet. It's such a shame that this trail is not living up to expectation. I think you looked happiest when you walked the Wales Coast Path - lots of smiles. Also your Caminos - you looked happy and smiley. On the plus side, you are meeting some super helpful, lovely locals which is a plus. I hope the South Island is going to be a winner.

[@toughgirlchallenges]

Wow, thank you so much for watching all my videos-it really means a lot! 😊 You’re absolutely right, this trail has been a very different vibe so far. The 'whoop whoop, hashtag winning' moments have been harder to come by, but I’m trying to embrace the challenges and surprises it brings (even if they’re not all fun ones). The Wales Coast Path and the Caminos definitely had a special kind of magic that made me smile a lot more! I’m super grateful for the amazing locals I’ve met along the way though-they’ve really lifted my spirits. Fingers crossed the South Island brings more of those winning moments! 🙌

[@majellafergus3643]

It is a tough mindset when you've committed to a long trail and it's less than you hoped and expected BUT you are so amazing at giving yourself a virtual kick up the @$$ Sarah. You've walked through some lovely terrain and you continue to give such a brilliant example of tough girl'edness

[@toughgirlchallenges]

Thank you so much for this thoughtful comment! 🥰 It's definitely tough when the trail doesn’t quite match up to expectations, but it’s all part of the journey, right? I'm learning to embrace the ups and downs (literally and figuratively 😂). Your kind words and encouragement mean the world - it’s support like this that keeps me pushing forward. 🥾💪

[@flatandsplat]

I'm keen to hike New Zealand but I think I might stick to the trails in the southern Alps. Thanks for your honesty.

[@toughgirlchallenges]

Thanks so much for watching! I really wanted to share the realities of the trail so people go in with their eyes wide open about what to expect when taking on the Te Araroa. Of course, this was my experience, and things can vary from season to season, but I hope it gives you a good sense of what it’s like. If you’re interested in hearing more, I’ve shared even more detail in two episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast. The first focuses on planning and preparation, and the second is a longer reflection on the trail itself and everything I learned along the way. They might be helpful if you’re thinking of tackling the TA yourself! 😊

[@robinsteararoadiary]

That's alot of car rides for a thru-hike.

[@toughgirlchallenges]

Wow, great observation! It's almost like the Te Araroa Trail has a ton of roads-who would've thought?!