Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Te Araroa Tales: Local Stories from New Zealand’s Long Pathway

Te Araroa Tales takes you into the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand through the voices of the people who live and work along the route of the Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000 km thru-hike from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

From trail angels and kaitiaki to conservationists and entrepreneurs,  explore stories of culture, history and belonging, and the many different ways that people connect with the land and with one another.

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What makes someone dedicate decades of their life to welcoming strangers into their backyard?

For over ten years, James Johnston has welcomed family campers and Te Araroa trail walkers to Nikau Bay, a secluded campsite near Whangarēi built by hand using reclaimed native wood.

Beyond running the camp, James actively maintains the local trail and supports conservation efforts for the endangered Australasian Bittern.

In this episode of Te Araroa Tales, James shares why he chose to put down roots in this quiet corner of Aotearoa 30+ years ago, the story behind creating Nīkau Bay, and why the native Nīkau palm holds a special place in his heart.

If you enjoy this episode, please hit follow or subscribe to hear more local stories from along the Te Araroa Trail.

Love Bittern project: https://lovebittern.com/

Nikau Bay Campsite: https://tutukakacamping.co.nz/

 "We are the kaitiaki. We're here to nurture this land because it allows us to live on it, so we need to look after it"

Every year, over 100,000 visitors walk the world famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Waiting to greet them before their hike is Mere Turanga, a local Manaaki Ranger dedicated to keeping hikers safe while sharing the deep cultural and spiritual significance of this living landscape.

In this conversation, Mere shares what it means to be a kaitiaki (guardian) of Tongariro, the morning rituals that ground her work, collaborating with the Department of Conservation, and how her community grieved and healed alongside the whenua after the devastating Tongariro wildfires in 2025.

Show notes:

Te Reo Māori Glossary for this episode:

Kaitiaki (guardian), Manaaki (to welcome/care for others), Manuhiri (visitors), Rāhui (temporary restriction/period of respect), Whenua (land), Tauiwi (foreigners), Tapu (sacred, spiritually protected or restricted), Maunga (Mountain), Whenua (the land or earth, also means placenta - symbolising the unbreakable connection between people and their place of birth), Whānau (extended family), mokopuna (grandchildren or the future generations to come), mai rā anō (from long ago; existing forever and ever into eternity)

For more extensive definitions head to Te Aka online Māori dictionary: https://maoridictionary.co.nz/

Learn more about the role of Maanaki Rangers: https://blog.doc.govt.nz/2026/04/01/tongariro-alpine-crossing-how-to/

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