Northbound: Four seasons of solitude on Te Araroa cover art

Northbound: Four seasons of solitude on Te Araroa

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Northbound: Four seasons of solitude on Te Araroa

By: Naomi Arnold
Narrated by: Naomi Arnold
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About this listen

Alone in the wilderness


Award-winning journalist Naomi Arnold spends nearly nine months walking the length of New Zealand on Te Araroa, fulfilling a 20-year dream. On her own, she traverses mountains, rivers, cities and plains from summer to spring, walking on through days of thick mud, blazing sun and lightning storms, and into cold, starlit nights. Along the way she encounters colourful locals and travellers who delight and inspire her.

An upbeat, fascinating and inspiring memoir of solitude, love and friendship, and the joys and pains to be found in the wilderness.

 Australia & Oceania Ecosystems & Habitats Hiking Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Travel Writing & Commentary
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I enjoy a travel / adventure memoir and this was well written and hard-earned by the author. I had to slow the speed of the narration slightly to follow it with ease but the author is a great narrator too. Would recommend it to anyone who likes this genre

A pluky author and challenging trek

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I first came into contact with Te Araroa when a Kiwi mate told me he’d completed the Southern stretch - twice!
Having grown up in Christchurch but now in the U.K. I was immediately enthused by the whole concept and researched the TA online, admittedly becoming a little obsessed, eventually landing upon the newly released “Northbound.”
I enjoyed the our journey immensely! Recognising so many place names from my time growing up in NZ, it felt like I was accompanying the author on the entire route.
The story is well written, the author being a journalist, and this is apparent from the outset. Her audio reading is clear and easy on the ear (even for those not used to the melodic female kiwi accent) and her crisp intonation and well timed moments of dramatic flair shine through as real highlights.
Initially, the author’s odyssey seemed a little half-arsed - happy to duck-off to work or back home for a forgotten something or other - yet by the conclusion of the journey her all-in, TOTAL commitment to “The Trail” was inspiring and really quite sublime.
The physical and psychological demands sound horrendous, but things take an interesting turn when her confused emotions push her into getting closer than she’d ever intended to a fellow traveller - did she give in to temptation? Well, you’ll have to listen to find out… but honestly, that’s only a small part of an extremely readable and interesting travelogue.
I feel inspired, and it was well worth the time I’ve just committed accompanying the author on The Long Journey.

Taking The Long Path with a seasoned guide

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Having spent time in NZ I loved listening to this heartfelt story of one woman’s journey through NZ.

A journey you live through listening

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