I’m less than a week from the end of my time on New Zealand’s South Island. With roughly 2 months of tramping completed, I’ve been reflecting on my NOBO journey thus far. Here’s my Pros & Cons list (with explanations):

There are SO many things I could write about on this list. This hike has been absolutely incredible for so many reasons! Here’s my compiled list in no particular order:

Alright, I’m sure I could think of many, many more, but it’s time to move on. Here’s my list of “cons” for New Zealand’s South Island Te Araroa Trail:

Also, in no order in particular, I have four items on my “cons” list.

So, there you have it. Obviously, the “pros” list is much longer than the “cons” list, but that’s because this trail is so stinking awesome. I’ve loved it, and I’ve hated it. I’be encountered more joy, simplicity, and freedom that I have had in a long, long time. I’ve also encountered more challenges, bug bites, and aggressive birds than I’ve seen in years. Two months in two and a half to go! Bring on the North Island!

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Hi! I'm Sam! I'm tramping the Te Araroa NOBO. I'm hiking, because I want to slow down and speed up. I want to embrace simplicity, forgiveness, and freedom in a way that only a trail can provide. I'm hiking for clarity and peace, for new beginnings and new challenges. I'm hiking, because it's a dream that only I can create into my reality.