Te Araroa South Island Section Hikes I’ve Completed
Highlighting the sections that left a lasting mark
Te Araroa stretches the full length of New Zealand, but the South Island section is where the track truly comes alive—big mountains, braided rivers, remote huts, sweeping tussock basins, and some of the most rewarding tramping in the country.
While I haven’t walked the entire trail end-to-end, I’ve dipped into some of its most iconic and memorable sections. Each one offered a different kind of challenge and beauty—sometimes alpine, sometimes river-side, sometimes farmland or forest, but always uniquely “South Island.”
Here are the Te Araroa sections I’ve completed, and why each one deserves a spot on your adventure list.
Pelorus River Track
Section: Pelorus Bridge → Hacket Car Park
Why it stands out:
This is one of the greenest, lushest TA sections, following the emerald waters of the Pelorus River deep into the Marlborough foothills. The track is well-formed, the swing bridges are fun, and the clear pools are ridiculously inviting on a hot day.
It’s a great introduction to TA-style river travel without the commitment of a multi-day epic. The beech forest is beautiful, the gradients are friendly, and the whole track has that calming, mossy, South Island feel.
Waiau Pass & St James Walkway
Section: St Arnaud → Boyle Village
Why it stands out:
This is one of the most spectacular and challenging parts of the entire Te Araroa. The climb to Waiau Pass is steep, rocky, slow-going, and absolutely unforgettable. Think jagged peaks, alpine tarn reflections, and real “you’ve earned this view” energy.
Dropping into the Waiau Valley feels like stepping into a different world—wide open, golden, wild. Linking into the St James Walkway adds a smoother, historic finish to the journey, following old stock routes and wide valley floors.
This section makes the list for its boldness and its beauty. It feels like classic TA: tough, dramatic, and deeply rewarding.
Harper Pass Sections
Section: Windy Point → Hope Kiwi Lodge
Why it stands out:
This section is a perfect introduction to the South Island backcountry. The trail follows the beautiful Hope River before climbing throuhg magnificent beech forest to Hope Kiwi Lodge.
Section: Hurunui River → Hurunui No. 3 Hut
Why it stands out:
One of the most enjoyable and varied days on Te Araroa, this section combines easy valley walking with one of the trail's best known gems - a natural hot spring tucked beside the Hurunui River. Finishing at the historic Hurunui No. 3 Hut, one of teh original huts built along the old Harper Pass route, adds a sense of history to an already rewarding day.
Section: Locke Stream Hut → Aickens Corner
Why it stands out:
A true West Coast adventure, this section is defined by remote travel, braided river crossings and constantly chaning scenery. The route demands route -finding and respect for river conditions, making it feel like a genuine wilderness experience. Reaching Aickens Corner is a satisfying finish to one of the most rugged and memorable Te Araroa sections in the South Island.
Goat Pass
Section: Goat Pass Hut → Greyneys Shelter
Why it stands out:
Goat Pass Hut is one of the classic overnight hikes in the Arthur’s Pass area. Sitting on the Te Araroa Trail, the route follows the Mingha River through a wide valley before climbing over Dudley Knob and reaching the alpine saddle of Goat Pass.
It’s a rewarding hike with varied terrain, good navigation, and expansive mountain views.
Cass–Lagoon Track & Harper River Track
Section: Bealey → Harper → Glenthorne
Why it stands out:
This combo showcases the diversity of TA terrain in a single slice: lush beech forest, alpine saddles, river flats, farm tracks, and wide open Canterbury mountains. The Cass–Lagoon Saddle is always a favourite with its forested climb and spacious tussock basin, while the Harper River section offers big valley travel and huge sky.
It’s a great section for testing multi-terrain endurance without remote exposure, and the hut network is excellent. This is the kind of track that offers a little bit of everything—and each bit is beautiful.
Turton Saddle
Section: Lake Emily → Clent Hills Saddle area
Why it stands out:
Turton Saddle is classic Hakatere high country: dry, golden, open, and windswept. The climb is steady and rewarding, with huge views out over the Canterbury back country.
It’s one of the more accessible “alpine pass” moments on the TA—big scenery without the technical difficulty. Think rolling ridges, big skies, and a sense of spaciousness that perfectly captures the feel of the South Island’s eastern ranges.
Stag Saddle
Section: Mesopotamia → Tekapo
Why it stands out:
Stag Saddle is the highest point on the entire Te Araroa, and the ridge that leads down toward Lake Tekapo is simply iconic. The colours shift from grey scree to deep turquoise as the lake appears below, and on a clear day you can see the whole Mackenzie Basin spread out beneath you.
This section is a standout for its alpine purity—wide open, rocky, stark, and beautiful. It’s one of the most visually rewarding stretches of the entire trail.
Motatapu Track
Section: Wanaka → Arrowtown
Why it stands out:
The Motatapu Track is famously steep, raw, and relentless—but wildly rewarding. The climbs and descents are sharp, the ridgelines are dramatic, and the sense of remoteness is real.
Golden tussock, deep valleys, and craggy peaks create some of the most characteristic Southern Lakes scenery on the TA. This track is a physical challenge that gives back in views, solitude, and a huge sense of accomplishment.
Final Thoughts
Walking sections of Te Araroa offers a way to experience the very best of the South Island’s landscapes without committing to the full thru-hike. Each section has its own character—alpine drama, river travel, high-country charm, or rolling farmland—and together they provide a beautiful cross-section of what makes New Zealand tramping so special.
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