Te Araroa Trek across New Zealand

Te Araroa translates to Long Pathway in English and when complete will be one of the longest pathways in the world.

Te Araroa is currently being built in New Zealand by the Te Araora Trust and 8 regional trusts and is due to be completed in February 2011. The trail will stretch 3000 Kms from Cape Reinga in the far north of the North Island to Bluff in the south island. The trail will provide trekkers with an opportunity to see some of New Zealand's beautiful countryside on foot. The trail will take tramplers down the coastline, through forests, across farmland, over volcanoes and mountain passes, along river valleys, and on green pathways across seven cities.

In October 2010, two female trekkers, Shalane Hopkins and Alex Ward plan to trek Te Araroa to raise money for charity. They plan to complete the trail in 150 days and are currently obtaining sponsors and awareness to help with their goal of $10,000 AUD for the Indigo Foundation. They not only hope to raise money for charity but are also promoting women's adventure travel and sustainability.

The Indigo Foundation indigo foundation is a small independent Australian community development organisation, providing effective and innovative assistance in public health & education to improve the lives of people in marginalised communities around the world. They ensure the communities have control over the decisions that determine their basic needs and human rights. Shalane and Alex will be raising money for a community in the Solomon Islands, currently in need of further funding and by reaching their goal will fund the project for another two years.

Solomon Islands has one of the fastest growing populations in the world. The Indigo Foundation's initial decision to help begin this project was made when research was carried out amongst young people in this community and concluded that members of the community had concerns about school drop-outs and young men and women having the practical skills to contribute to the community in the future. It was discovered that the demand for education and training in practical skills was high on their list of needs.