Te Araroa FKT Attempt
Starting Jan 1st, we (Maddie and Tom) are attempting to set the self-supported ‘Fastest Known Time’ (FKT) for Te Araroa (TA). At 3000km long, the TA traverses the length of New Zealand from north to south.
The current self-supported record is held by Tim Wright (69d 20h 37m), whilst the overall supported record is held by George Henderson (49d 14h 27m). A self-supported attempt means carrying your own gear and only using publicly available resources (e.g. posting parcels, using supermarkets, and receiving help from public trail angels).
You can follow along with the trip below, where our tracker updates our location every 20 minutes whilst moving. A friend will post on Facebook and Instagram regularly, and we will upload to Strava when possible (links at bottom of the page).
Note: The map above has the official Te Araroa route highlighted (including detours). We will take the official path unless there is a closure which forces us to take a detour.
Looks like you’re underway! Congratulations on all your preparation, and good luck for your journey. from Ruth and Jon
Best of luck team TAG. Way to go Maddie & Tom!
GO TEAM TAG! xx
Best of luck Maddie and Tom in your quest to set down the first TA FKT in the Teams category. No other (mixed) team has recorded this to date. I’m sure being a Team will help with some of the logistics around the paddling sections and you have each other for mutual support. Go well, will be following you and am sure you will set a very fast new Teams record. Best of Luck !
You guys are inspirational! I am with you all the way 👍
Hi Maddie and Tom,
We hope you are on schedule and all is going well for you. Keep going and be happy. We are with you all the way.
Great to see you pass the 1000km mark on schedule!
I see you’re at the start of the Tararuas. I hope you have good weather for the crossing and able to enjoy the views from the top. We’re hosting hikers at the south end of the Tararuas – welcome if the timing is right. Understandable if you get to our place and have time to continue on. Paul
I see you’re at the start of the Tararuas. I hope you have good weather for the crossing and able to enjoy the views from the top. We’re hosting hikers at the south end of the Tararuas – welcome if the timing is right. Understandable if you get to our place and have time to continue on.
Thanks Paul! We’ve past now but we appreciate the offer. Maybe next time 😁
Hooray! On the South Island now! Well done!!!
Pair of absolute legends – had your tracking in a tab open every single day since you passed through Huntly and you guys are making astounding time. All the best for the upcoming big mountains!
So so proud of you 2 keep playing my music pic’ you really are simply the best, and you can do it.!
Wishing I could be there at the Bluff to greet you. I did try.
I hope there is a welcoming group at the end. I am there if not in body.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Last few Kms I am watching you to the end. Grampa & I have a bottle of Champagne ready for cracking a toast to you from our armchairs. Even though you can’t see us know we are there. And that bottle is chilling nicely.😀🥰🥰👍
Well done Maddie and Tom what an achievement fingers crossed for you from us all in WA .. 🤞👋👋👋we have been following your progress through your grandparents and it’s fantastic news that you are so close … 🤞🤞kethrine and Chris