One Step at a Time: 3,000 km of Grit, Growth & Grace on Te Araroa

In 2010, before Te Araroa officially opened or was widely known, Shalane Hopkins set out to walk its 3,000 km across New Zealand with a friend. Few Kiwis had attempted the trail, and the route remained rugged and untamed. The 171-day journey tested her grit, resilience, and determination as she faced relentless rain, endless beaches, bush, injuries, and even giardia. Then the 2011 Christchurch earthquake struck, and a pause to help with clean-up efforts resulted in a race against time to finish Te Araroa and reach Bluff. One Step at a Time is an adventure memoir and hiking journey that explores fear, self-doubt, and the untamed edges of identity. Readers of travel memoirs and inspirational true stories will find Shalane’s journey moving and uplifting. Women adventurers and long-distance trail enthusiasts will be inspired by her courage and determination every step of the way.