Te Araroa Tales: Local Stories from New Zealand’s Long Pathway

Latest episodes

• The Whanganui River: Ned Tapa on the river as a Living Ancestor, and its journey to legal personhood

  September 29, 2026 · 27 min

  In 2017, New Zealand’s mighty Whanganui River made global legal history by becoming the first river in the world to be granted legal personhood.  In this episode of Te Araroa Tales, I sit down with Ned Tapa, a kaitiaki or guardian of the…

• Reconnecting with her roots: Talz Popata on healing, community, and the power of Māori culture

  August 31, 2026 · 18 min

  In this episode, Cape Reinga shuttle driver Talz Popata opens up about her personal journey of reconnection with her Māori roots. She shares the deep, restorative practice and intricate art of korowai (cloak making) that has helped her…

• Building an off-grid sanctuary: James Johnston and the story of Nikau Bay

  August 28, 2026 · 17 min

  What makes someone dedicate decades of their life to welcoming strangers into their backyard? For over ten years, James Johnston has welcomed family campers and Te Araroa trail walkers to Nikau Bay, a secluded campsite near Whangarēi…

• Guardians of the land: Manaaki Ranger Mere Turanga on caring for Tongariro

  August 28, 2026 · 16 min

  "We are the kaitiaki. We're here to nurture this land because it allows us to live on it, so we need to look after it" Every year, over 100,000 visitors walk the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Waiting to greet them before their…

• Trailer: Local stories from the Te Araroa Trail

  August 21, 2026 · 1 min

  Te Araroa Tales takes you into the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand through the voices of the people who live and work along the route of the Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000 km thru-hike from Cape Reinga to Bluff. From trail angels and kaitiaki to…

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