To The End | New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail

[@ElinaOsborne]

I feel like I've said almost everything I wanted to say about hiking Te Araroa. The other side of it has been the prolonged journey of re-living it all through this Te Araroa series I poured everything into. A labour of love, a means to process grief, and an endless reminder of the good, and joy, and beauty in this world. It's been over a year since I finished the hike, I started editing this within weeks of my mum's passing. Looking for the support she once held, through this whole chapter I've started to find that footing again. Thank you for all the love and support throughout the sharing of these excerpts of my existence, to have anyone connect with something I put out into the world is never lost on me 🤍

[@anjelt2137]

Blessings to you and your whānau. This was such a heart rendering journey , you and the boys, the people you met; an Epic journey indeed. It made me miss the bush and want to go back in again, so many thanks. Blessings be upon your beautiful mother too xx

[@jamilaknopp540]

I’m so sorry to hear about your mum passing. I’m certain that she was so happy that you did this journey and she was very proud of you. You are a huge inspiration and a kind amazing woman. Kia Kaha Elina. Sending you hugs, and love!

[@liamgavin2653]

I felt like I was with you, awakening a yearning for my own trail someday. Thank you so kindly for sharing such special and sorrowful emotions!

[@lucyyantis9627]

I'm so sorry for your loss. This was the most beautiful chapter by far, I was crying by the end. ❤️

[@dhos034]

Thank you so much for showing us your journey! You are not the only one to have re-lived their hikoi through your videos. Thank you for so beautifully capturing your journey, and doing so, so honestly. Arohanui, Elina.

[@athousandopendoors]

Wow, what an epic journey with a heartbreaking ending. The last slide "The land and the people are woven together as one" brought tears to my eyes. May your mother rest deeply in love.

[@thomascrew8268]

Writers/creators are at their best on their home turf. Faulkner in Mississippi, Hemingway in Michigan, Steinbeck in California and now Osborne in New Zealand. Well done young lady...you have created something eternal and soulful. Rooted in your culture and filled with your poignant insights and passion for life. All the best to you.

[@ElinaOsborne]

Wow, Thomas, I'm unsure if my kiwi-ness can accept this compliment in any form, but I thank you for these incredibly kind words and will carry them as fuel for hope of what's to come.

[@seazenbones6945]

A brilliant documentary. Everything KZbin should be. Thank you for the humour, the tears, the challenges and the achievements.

[@dannyf28]

Firstly, I absolutely loved this series. The PCT series helped gave me well needed vicarious adventures through lockdown and now this one got me through a particularly gloomy NZ winter. I'm a massive fan now and look forward to the European content! Also devastating to hear about your Mum, I lost mine back in the UK whilst in NZ during Covid and I couldn't get back heartbreaking just doesn't come close enough. So I feel you and I hope you are doing ok. And Air New Zealand need to 100% get this series on their in-flight entertainment, as it perfectly captures everything quiet, quaint and magnificent about New Zealand. Cracking job on the soundtrack too. Amazing work, keep it up! 🌏👏

[@paulhowardvideos]

OMG, if you're not crying at the end of this you're not human. I first came about watching you and your PCT videos and I just had to watch more. Your way of telling your journey/story is so funny, emotional, raw, and loving. I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your mum but she's always with you. Keep putting one foot in front of the other!

[@hannahnorthgraves7761]

Elina - I walked from Whanganui to that beach (I sadly forget the name) and to Bulls with you and your trail brothers. I always remember you as such a warm light. Jenni, who also stayed at Rob and George's, and I, watched your series last night and we were both flooded with nostalgia and memories of the trail. We were amazed how it felt like we were transported back in time through your beautifully crafted videos. You have a gift. Each video was a work of art that invoked a myriad of feelings. This particular video ended with tear-filled eyes and a deep soul feeling. I am so grateful to have a medium like this to relive such glorious and cherished days. Thank you, thank you, thank you. May your mother rest in love. I am sorry that you have to bear such a loss. May her legacy live on through you and your art. Aroha, Hannah

[@ElinaOsborne]

Hannah, what a moment in time, I hold those memories so fondly!! You and Jenni are so vivid in my mind from those days, the cargo shorts (?!) haha. Thank you for the love, I hope you’re so well my friend ❤️🥰

[@robmango3552]

It has been 2 years since the trail, not many days have passed without thinking about the people, the friends, the whanau and of course the beautiful lands we have passed. After walking for almost 2 months on the south island, finally reaching the ocean on the other side of the island was overwhelming and hard to ever forget! These are stories you will tell your grandkids one day. Thank you for reminding me of these beautiful moments with creating these videos! They make it seem like it was just yesterday! Peace and love, Rob

[@jtmanton]

Thank you. I admittedly haven't been able to watch this whole series because I could feel the melancholy come through as you mourned your mother. As a father to a daughter your age and a husband to a wonderful Japanese woman, it just felt like watching a family member suffer, and I wanted to give you a big hug and come up with any special words I could find to help you through the process. I hope the journey and the edit brought you peace. Go With Passion! Words I will never forget.

[@morkani]

Finishing watching your series is like finishing with a good book: it feels like something is missing. I don't know, what hikers feel when ending up with such long trails, but I'd like to find it out. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I'm sorry for your loss.

[@Knorrsoupe]

32 years old sitting on my couch, crying and missing my dad, thank you for sharing that great, epic journey ❤

[@ElinaOsborne]

🌻🌻🌻

[@DanielMurrayPhotography]

Elina, my wife and I have just finished watching every single second of your Te Araroa series. We cannot thank you enough - what an incredible journey and so incredibly well told. We plan to walk the trail through in around 3 years’ time - your videos have filled us with excitement and inspiration! Thank you again 😊

[@lovetorontohockey]

Thank you for taking us on this journey with you (again)!!!!!

[@kateclive9002]

You are a gifted film maker. I have enjoyed watching this adventure. May your mother truly rest in love.

[@TumbelinaNZL]

Simply beautiful. My heart.

[@christempleton9656]

My mom is my best friend. Thank you for sharing your journey of loss and growth and pain and healing. Every video, without fail, has made me feel, which is something rare these days. I'll follow your content for years. Your ability to tell stories that show delicate emotions like joy, grief, and just bein' damn trail-tired is unmatched. Thank you. You're truly one of a kind

[@mcmelgares]

A beautiful journey, Elina. I am sorry for your mothers passing. Your tribute to her was moving.

[@GarrethMorgan]

Thank you for letting us share in your journey. It was amazing to see the people you met and places you visited. あなたのお母さんはとても誇りに思うでしょう

[@badgerrambler]

Sigh… so beautiful. Thank you for including us in your journey.

[@CXYCourtney]

Thank you for sharing your journey so beautifully and vulnerably. I absolutely love the way you story tell and capture people in your films.

[@Zirmbergalm_Ruhpolding]

I must have watched this now 50+ times, still gets me at the end. You've taught me a good lesson for life by making this series. Take each day at a time. :-)

[@hllrmnn]

Experiencing your walk will stay with me for a long time - amazing. Heartfelt thank you!

[@johnalden5821]

So beautiful and moving! So much joy, mystery, effort and love, celebrating a couple of islands on a big round island in a big universe. You put us in the center of it.

[@somebody_keas]

I lost my dad to myeloma 5 years ago-he introduced me to the bush from a very young age which I will be forever grateful for. I will be remembering him on my T.A journey this summer. Thanks for your inspiration!

[@ElinaOsborne]

And I hope you hear his excitement for you as you go forward on this journey 🌻

[@HikeForMiles]

who's cutting onions in here?? what a beautiful, inspiring story youve so carefully and thoughtfully put together for us. thank you Elina.

[@Amanda-ei7oc]

Only found your channel a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been hooked. You’re a beautiful storyteller. This ending was so sad yet so beautiful. I lost my Mum 7yrs ago now to cancer and watching this brought a flood of tears. How lovely it was to see you celebrate such an epic adventure with her. She looked so proud and happy in that moment. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@qcomberette]

With a heartbreaking ending, I cried. I am sorry for your loss.

[@sarahelasater6867]

Elina, what a privilege it is to witness your journey. Such beauty in all of this. Holding you and your mum’s spirit in love ❤️

[@bretbowlin2617]

Beautifully done. There is joy in it all for us all, if we just look. And look at those smiles.

[@monique6604]

thank you for sharing your journey. what a beautiful homage to you mother. today would have been my dad's birthday, he died 20,5 years ago, the memories we made together are alive in me. that's what we are here for, to make wonderful memories with the people around us. much love

[@thebikeweiss]

My wife and I just finished watching this series and loved it. So much joy yet the ultimate heartbreak in loss of your mother. In the little bit we saw of your mom in this and other videos of yours, it seems as though she instilled important values and character in you... in that way, she lives on in you! Thank you kindly for sharing your journey!

[@dressjess]

I loved this series. Inspiring. "The land and the people are woven together as one" sumed it up beautifully.

[@FurthurOffRoad]

Ach. So beautiful. Please don't stop sharing your adventures with all of us.

[@loconut52]

Thanks Elina , my wife and I (2 kiwis living in Oz) have enjoyed your journey.

[@drycycle]

So sorry to hear about your mother. My father passed away from myelodysplastic syndrome nearly three years ago. Your videos and storytelling are inspirational. I can't wait to see the Hayduke series and one day I hope to be out there on one of these through hikes.

[@peroxidetim]

So... That was en incredible journey. Beautifully told. I am silenced by the passing away of your mother. Thank you for telling this all to me, to us!

[@jeffcovault6963]

Elina, Thank You for taking us along on this fabulous adventure

[@Walk_on_Part_In_a_War]

What a beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking ending. You've captured everything so powerfully.

[@ameliaeden5826]

I'm crying my eyes out right now. What an amazing and beautiful series you have created and shared with us. Thank you.

[@bioplasticsarebad]

Have been putting this one off until I had a quiet moment because I knew I’d be in tears by the end of it. Thank you for sharing your heart and soul. I am inspired.

[@edwardxiang5500]

Thanks for sharing, your each single video is master piece ! The people, the music, the land , the track , with magic power !

[@ChasingaPlate]

Thank you so much for the care, love and effort you’ve given to both the journey and the series. Stunning videos. Thomas

[@thruguru]

thank you Elina for finding the strength to share, so elegantly, this personal journey & chapter in your life

[@pierreleroux7961]

My wife and I have followed this trip from beginning to end and thoroughly enjoyed joining you on your journey. We love your content and can't wait to join you on your next adventure!

[@loripost5282]

In tears. Just beautiful.

[@beccal1009]

Stunning. Each video compels me to take that first step outside which, who knows, may become 150 day walks. So sorry for loss. You have made something so beautiful, inspiring and filled with love.

[@twoleftpoles4837]

Beautiful… your Mums bright smile shines thru in your story telling. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheFilo29]

Man that ending got in me in tears I absolutely love and feel so inspired by your story telling just so beautiful thank you! And keep adventuring

[@kinlinkollective]

Love is nothing without pain and pain is hollow without the feeling of love...my heart aches from the path you have taken us down and the path that you had to walk. You provided your audience with every emotion this life has to offer whether it was intended or not and I am eternally grateful for stumbling upon your creative genius. This series has left an impression on me that I was not prepared for but now know was necessary. Thank you for sharing your life, your dreams and your pain with us...I will strive from here on out to affect those that I surround myself with the way this story has affected me. Much love Elina

[@lizfredricsen2804]

What an ode / gift to your mama x Wonderful from start to finish Thanks for sharing Mag you find test and peace

[@lillyannz5348]

Your Videos always give me the feeling of pure freedom. Thank you 💛

[@cazn3757]

It’s been a delight to follow you on this journey.. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort.

[@acequorthon]

I love that your videos have this authentic happy undertone. I always find myself smiling while watching them :) Thank you!

[@carinaspliid]

My goodness! I came across your channel recently and was instantly captured by your storytelling. Not only have you instilled the idea in me of doing Te Araroa one day, but your videography and storytelling has inspired to do more of that myself. What an amazing adventure you went on, and you told your story with such grace. I'm sorry for your mother's passing.

[@grahames9228]

Well done. Thanks for having us along.

[@michaelsteiger8091]

This series was moving, inspiring, and so beautiful... and also made me laugh out loud so many times. Laughter is wonderful medicine. The love that you, your family, and your friends share pours out of the screen and into my heart. Thank you for telling this story. So much love to you.

[@taradoyle7902]

Thankyou for this, I really enjoyed your journey and loved your PCT journey too. My heart hurt at the end of this one though. Thankyou.

[@eduartginting232]

Thank you Elina, from the deepest of my heart.

[@NierJr]

Thank you. thank you. thank you Deeply restorative. My spirit is healthier having watched this. Aloha

[@annikamin6914]

I recently found your videos Elina, and as someone who will soon be moving to New Zealand (sight unseen!) to be with my partner, this series is the single biggest thing that has made me excited to go there and get to know the people and the land of Aotearoa. This final chapter made me cry. Thank you for taking us on this journey.

[@Emily-pk9bd]

You are a wonderful story teller. Thank you for this work of art. xxx

[@clarisseg6938]

Wow... I don't have words... Thank you so much Elina

[@antonslegers9888]

Thank you Elina for taking us on your journey once again. You inspired me in doing things I wouldn't see myself doing without watching your videos. I hope to be able to do that same thing for other people once in my life. My condolences. Take care.

[@VickyVanHemelrijck]

Another beautiful story and memory you have managed to create, capture, and share with us. Thank you for your eye on the world, the beauty you bring, and the wisdom you share. Your story and the stories of the people on the trail continue to move me and inspire me to go out there too. One day. I'm positive your mother is beyond proud of the extraordinary woman she has raised, and I wish her much love as she continues to watch over you on your many journeys to come. Love, Vicky.

[@michaelbutler4961]

I enjoyed your video series. Sorry for the loss of your mum, but glad you finished in time to see her off. Thank you for sharing.

[@brucechambers4299]

Finally watched it all. Thank you Elina for working so hard and making such exquisite films. My heart breaks for your loss but somehow I feel your grief will make you an even more beautiful human. God Bless you. Tortuga. PCT2019

[@sarahblairadventures]

woah... wasn't expecting my eyes to leak. Much love to you Elina. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@mohammadhamarsheh6893]

May your mother rest in love. She’s with the rest of the angels up in heaven. One day you’ll be united again and talk about all the adventures you’ll go on, after this one. You’re an amazing story teller, and I wish you all the best and all the love! Me te aroha! (Hope I said that right)

[@gijsnooteboom2711]

Thank you so much Elina for making and sharing this epic journey. I loved every minute of it. Totally impressed by your way of filming, telling the stories and openness of you being you.

[@dorkladytravels]

Another incredible journey, beautifully documented. I cried. Your mom would be proud. It's the people, it's the people, it's the people.

[@sarahmcdonough9407]

what an epic series and an inspirational achievement. there were tears of joy over you finishing, and then absolute sobbing after learning about your mum. congratulations and condolences.

[@pjsmetal73]

Absolutely Amazing Journey, Thank You Elina Osborne 👍💯😎

[@AmyKate]

Absolutely bawled my eyes out at the end. What a journey! So many beautiful souls you met along the way and so many stories you will keep for a lifetime. Thank you for bringing us along with you.

[@djamalyoutube230]

A fine accomplishment indeed. Well done. And taking us with you an added difficulty. Thanks for all your efforts and consideration. Much appreciated. 👍💛 Overall elevation gain is approximately 273,285 feet, which is like climbing Mount Everest 9 & 1/2 times!

[@stewartgregson8479]

Your films made me laugh, cry and brought back the fondest memories of travel and hiking in New Zealand. They reconnected me to feelings and thoughts of people and places I had lost touch with. You have inspired me to reconnect again with those feelings and to create new memories. Thank you so much.

[@mariusm.3051]

Thank you Elina! After the PCT series yet another great adventure with so many different moments and feelings, beautiful landscapes and kind people. Thank you for taking us with you. Wish you all the best :)

[@ekl9573]

Thank you for bringing us along as you walked in Beauty… Kia Kaha to the beautiful woman who gave you life!✨

[@andreasarpolus393]

Ten years ago, I watched a globe trekker episode about the Milford track in NZ and my heart exhilarated with passion to hike . Now, my husband and I are avid peak baggers and backpackers. We started a KZbin channel (Rick and Andrea Get outside) before our hike on the JMT last year. It’s wonderful to look back on our experience and share it with others. Thank you for sharing your journey on the New Zealand Te Araroa trail. It was a blessing and be reminded me how the Milford Track sparked that interest and my love to hike. NZ is a special place and some day we will visit and heck maybe hike this challenging trail the Te Araroa. I am sorry to hear your loss. My heart breaks with you 💔 I lost my parents last year and it’s hard. Grieve. And don’t stop the tears. May your Mums legacy continue to grow in the little things you do and bring honor to her name.

[@wagnerswagner496]

Beautiful. Much love to you, your family, and your mother

[@vblifts]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful journey, both of Te Araroa and your personal interpretation of deep connection to the trail and like-minded people who value the trails - loved every minute of what you have created

[@camiaubin8224]

Ok, I cried. Thank you for sharing your adventure once again!

[@Dharma_Bum]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. You’ve inspired this old goat to keep hiking despite the problems age brings. My wife and I intend to walk Te Araroa in a couple of years. As we all know, time is short, so spend it well and with people that you love and inspire you. Live a life worth remembering. Love and best wishes from Australia.

[@moose1392]

This series of vlogs have been one of a kind. Loved every minute of them. A heartbreaking end to this last one and I wish you my condoleances.

[@davidsixtwo]

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It was a comfort from afar in a complicated time.

[@AntonChigurh989]

Condolences 💔. Thank you for taking us on this journey with you.

[@paintingworlds]

You will miss your mother so many ways and she will always be a part of you. My sympathies.

[@semvessies3802]

I don't know how you do it, but every part is a master piece by itself. I have enjoyed watching your journey. It was a heartbreaking ending, but very beautiful put together.

[@janehutchings287]

Absolutely stunning footage of your incredible personal journey . Thank you for sharing . You have a gift .

[@hello-ms-b7667]

Thank you for sharing this with us. It has been an inspiration. Peace be with your mother.

[@rickevans831]

Thank you for sharing both this trip and the PCT - I have enjoyed watching them so much and passed them onto friends to enjoy as well

[@alissalauren2063]

Loved watching these chapters. So beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with the hardships and the high moments. You are truly inspiring. Also I love how you put in your journey with your mother. Very sweet. 💞

[@Rambling_Bob]

Thank you for sharing another of your journeys with us so beautifully

[@gnombaer]

You had me in tears in the end. It's a beautiful series!

[@dodge_walks]

What an amazing, beautifully cinematographed (is that a word? If not then claiming it TM!) journey. A wonderful path through jaw dropping terrain. Condolences on your loss. I hope your mum enjoyed her last trip.

[@megansaussey7065]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful journey and your amazing storytelling and filmmaking ability with us. A very special privilege. I hope that #airnewzealand pick this up for their inflight channel. Best of luck in whatever you do next.

[@AlexcHearnden]

Thank you so much. I am trying to think of the best way to say that 2 paths drawing so close to yours, have led you along your journey. I hope you understand. Best wishes and cannot wait to see you again on youtube soon!

[@benjames9857]

Profoundly moving finish to a beautiful ‘book’. Arohanui

[@irenebuchan5135]

What a wonderful series! I've enjoyed every one of your videos. I'm too old to undertake such a journey, but my first back-country overnighters last year gave me an insight into what attracts people to do these sorts of hikes. There is an exhilaration about wide open spaces away from the safety of modern life that cannot be explained and must be felt. So sorry about your Mum, she looked such a little sweetheart!

[@roneykaithpalmaria]

Your sweet mom ❤️❤️❤️. Congrats on finishing the documentary.

[@5000cache]

Thank you for all that you do.