Therese takes the Te Araroa

Hiking 1500km of the Te Araroa in the South Island of New Zealand starting December 2015! Instagram: theresehullinger

[theresehullinger-blog]

1. Get to Missoula✔️2. Climb the nearest mountain✔️ #mountsentinel #missoula montana (at Mount Sentinel)

[theresehullinger-blog]

Perfecting ending to my second day in #saltlakecity and #skiing @skisolitude! Despite the crazy weather (snow, sleet, hail, AND rain throughout the day) I had another great day skiing. Looking forward to the #ORshow the next few days! (at Salt Lake City, Utah)

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Survived the first day of #skiing out #west! #saltlakecity is so beautiful and I finally got to see all the #snow I was hoping for back home. Thanks to the #outdoorretailer show for the passes to @skisolitude. Had an epic day on the slopes⛷Excited to get back out there tomorrow! (at Solitude Mountain Resort)

[theresehullinger-blog]

Crazy to think we were there just before the wild fires came rolling through. I'm still entranced by the beauty I saw while spending just a few short days in the #greatsmokeymountains #nationalpark. I must admit #carcamping is way easier than the #backcountry #tramping I was doing in #newzealand, but I can't help but hope the next time I go through I'll be hiking the #appalachiantrail! #tbt #backpacking #wanderlust

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Had all of the flashbacks to my New Zealand adventures while hiking out at Starved Rock today 🍃🌳 #starvedrock #nationalpark #hiking #exploring #adventurefish (at Starved Rock State Park)

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#tbt to the enchanted forest 🌲✨ #teararoa #tramping #newzealand #southisland

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Reflecting on the happiest time of my life. And this was even after slipping and cracking my face (and my phone)on a rock😝 #sohappy #teararoa #backpacking #newzealand

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Working for rich people has its perks #spaday #ohmylegs #thruhikerecovery

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My body is back in 'real' life but my head and heart are still on the trail. Never in a million years did I expect to have such a problem adjusting back. It never occurred to me that there would even be a problem! It's been a week, and I am still having a hard time. I cannot explain the way I feel, but it's a struggle every day. I get anxiety every time I'm in the city. I want more than anything to pick up my pack and walk away. But the money is gone, and it's simply impossible for me to continue on the trail. It's the saddest realization I've ever had to come to. I keep putting one foot in front of the other, try my best, and hope it'll get easier. I wish I could get paid to hike. #teararoa #trail #backpacking #tramping #newzealand #trailsickness #wishfulthinking

[theresehullinger-blog]

Well look what I came across today while walking downtown. Brb, crying because all I wanted to do was follow it 😭👣 #teararoa #wellington #downtown #citylife #imissthetrail #takemeback (at Civic Square, Wellington)

[theresehullinger-blog]

Hello Therese, would you please describe the degree of difficulty and the challenges in making the crossing of the STAG saddle, the approaches and the crossing of the pass itself. I have followed your blog with great interest since the commencement, and enjoyed both your nice commentary and your photos. Congratulations on your tramping achievement, and the speed of your travels. Good luck

John

[theresehullinger-blog]

Just taking a peek into paradise 🌴 #ocean #palmtree #teararoa #nature #mountains #beach #queencharlottetrack #trail #tramping #newzealand #southisland #nobo

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So much room for activities! The Queen Charlotte Track was a walk in the park compared to the rest of the South Island. Such a lovely finale to my Te Araroa adventure #1500km #southisland #walk #queencharlottetrack #blessed #happy #healthy #hiker #newzealand #teararoa #forest #finale

[theresehullinger-blog]

😍🌸👣 #nature #walk #newzealand #teararoa #queencharlottetrack #backpacking #adventure #beauty #flower (at QueenCharlotteTrackNZ)

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After 1500 kilometers from Bluff to Ship Cove I have FINISHED my Te Araroa tramp of the South Island. Such an amazing feeling, though after 2 months of walking, I'm not sure what to do next! #teararoa #tramping #newzealand #southisland #nobo #backpacking #queencharlottetrack #shipcove (at Ship Cove)

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With only ONE walk left in my Northbound Te Araroa tramp, I am prepared to carry ALL the fresh fruit and vegetables! Not pictured: 10 pounds of hummus to go with #teararoa #trail #tramping #queencharlottetrack #backpacking #newzealand #southisland #nobo #fresh #vegetables #tomatoes #onions #avocados #mushrooms #onion #bananas #capsicum #cucumber #broccoli #hummus #yum #happy #walker #goodeats

[theresehullinger-blog]

Hot, sweaty, and sunburnt 😎💦☀️ #teararoa #tramping #newzealand #backpacking