Abstract
Te Araroa is the 3000 km long hiking trail that winds along the length of New Zealand. Opened in 2011, the trail is relatively young, but its popularity is fast rising. This case study provides an overview of Te Araroa, incorporating its evolution, characteristics, associated hiking activity, and trail management. Alongside Te Araroa’s growing reputation, multiple concerns have emerged, including hiker safety, environmental impacts, and the stress on trail infrastructure and management, which pose challenges to Te Araroa’s future well-being. Consequently, this case study seeks to promote understanding of Te Araroa and raise awareness amongst the public, students, and researchers regarding the challenges Te Araroa is facing. In doing so, the case study calls for increased efforts to ensure the trail’s sustainability.