From the first thought of going to New Zealand to actually deciding to go, only a few hours passed — not days. It all happened sometime in September, when I found out that far fewer people hike the Te Araroa Trail than the PCT. That means I’ll have more moments of solitude — just me and the trail.

I also discovered that I don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days. The flight was surprisingly affordable, and the total cost of the trip should be about the same as what I’d spend staying home.

So I simply bought the ticket and started connecting with others across the globe who are planning to walk the trail too.

All it took was registering on the New Zealand immigration website using my phone, and within two days I had permission to visit for 90 days.

Getting the permit from the New Zealand Department of Conservation to walk the Te Araora Trail was just as easy. All I had to do was register, and unlike the PCT, I didn’t have to wait several months for the permit to be approved.