Te Araroa: Tales from the Trails

Te Araroa is a series that follows well-known television personality, Pio Terei, along his journey through the diverse and rich landscapes of Aotearoa. Made with the support of NZ On Air.

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Series 2 Episode guide

Episode 1 | Mangawhai
Taiharuru Estuary to Mangawhai
Veteran trail-walkers at Taiharuru ease Pio’s muddy start to this picturesque coastal walkway.  He boat-hops to Ruakaka where pristine sandy beaches set the backdrop for some horse-whispering.  And generous locals ply Pio with a plentiful array of fish delicacies as he winds his way to Mangawhai.


Episode 2 | Russell
Opua to Russell Forest
The Russell Forest walkway takes Pio through some of Northland’s most memorable vistas and into lives of the locals who have rich connections with the land.  Taking a chance to sample the wild flavours of far north Pio’s palette’s in for a real treat.


Episode 3 | Tāmaki Makaurau
Auckland: Coast to Coast
Auckland’s Coast to Coast walkway takes Pio across the volcanic isthmus of New Zealand’s largest city.  It’s an incredible trip across a geographically unique landscape as Pio meets a diverse bunch of Jafa’s and uncovers some of the cities hidden histories.


Episode 4 | Waitomo
Waitomo to Santoft Forest
A trip through the wonderous caves of Waitomo and a somewhat dubious crack at sheep shearing’s only part of the charm on this leg of the trail.  There’s also one of the last kahikatea forests and a bit of trail repair as Pio takes the trail through the middle of the North Island.


Episode 5 | Whanganui
Whanganui to Santoft Forest
An insightful ride on the Whanganui River sets the flow of Pio’s whirling ride to the Santoft Forest.  A colourful smorgasbord of food and people draw Pio into the landscape as he visits Ratana Pā and samples the cook’s wares, and sword-dances his way into the Turakina Highland Games to try some haggis.


Episode 6 | Queen Charlotte
Ship Cove to Pelorus River
Stunning landscapes thread through a labyrinth of bays as Pio hikes from historic Ship Cove to the Pelorus River.  A brave detour takes Pio to Maud Island to meet some giant kiwi bugs, and on to a spectacular slice of the trail to meet some creative folk carving out new Te Araroa territories.


Episode 7 | Wellington
Paekakariki to Wellington
Spectacular views from the lofty heights of the new Paekakariki trail set the tone for Pio’s trek into Wellington’s harbour city, where he survives the interview skills of a young trail-walker. He hits the high seas with a bunch of kina-hungry locals, and takes a lush bush walk with a local songbird.