Northbound

As a fellow hiker, Northbound really spoke to me. Naomi Arnold’s solo journey along the Te Araroa trail is raw, honest, and powerful. This isn’t a polished adventure story; it shows the real challenges of walking the length of Aotearoa alone.

Arnold shares not just the physical hardships, mud, blisters, and river crossings, but also the mental and emotional struggles. The loneliness, fear, and strength it takes to keep going are all captured with such clarity. I was captivated by the book and often found myself in awe of what she endured.

One of the book’s strengths is that it doesn’t glamorise the journey. Arnold is honest about her fears, her privilege, and what it’s like being a woman alone on the trail. Sometimes the story wanders, but that matches the feeling of a long walk.

Reading Northbound made me want to do the trail myself. It reminded me of why I love hiking; not just for the views, but for the sense of challenge and freedom it brings. Arnold’s story is a reminder of how much we can discover when we step outside and keep going, one step at a time.