Leading Te Araroa: Matt Claridge on New Zealand’s Longest Trail

What begins as a walk often becomes something far greater. Clare sits down with Matt Claridge, Chief Executive of Te Araroa, New Zealand’s 3,000 kilometre pathway stretching from Cape Reinga to Bluff. More than a track, it weaves through cities, backcountry, and communities, offering a deeply personal journey for those who step onto it.Together, they explore the evolving role of the trail, from tourism and sustainability to community connection and access to the outdoors. The conversation moves beyond logistics into meaning, unpacking why people walk and what they discover along the way.Through stories from the trail, we discover how Matt is helping shape Te Araroa into more than a national asset. It is a growing movement, encouraging more New Zealanders to reconnect with the land and discover what exists beyond the everyday.