Northbound cover art

Northbound

Four Seasons of Solitude on Te Araroa

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Northbound

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.

©2025 Naomi Arnold (P)2025 HarperCollins Publisher Australia & Oceania Ecosystems & Habitats Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Travel Writing & Commentary
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Naomi is a wonderful story teller about her journey, her feelings and the landscape she travelled through. Inspirational insights about the value of hardship and a long journey.

A great listen written with honesty humour.

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I didnt really know what to expect from this book but it was a really enjoyable listen with funny and heartwarming moments. I'm planning to hike the South Island TA NOBO next year and so what started as research turned into a read ill be recommending all my family to read also.

The unexpected

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Naomi articulated her journey so well, sharing her emotions and thoughts as well as the physical. Inspiring journey. Well worth a read/listen for outdoorsy women.

Raw honest account

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I have thoroughly enjoyed this gripping, heartfelt account of an amazing achievement by an inspiring kiwi wāhine.
Thank you for sharing your raw and riviting journey, it has been truly inspiring.

Absolutely loved it

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Loved this book and Naomi's story. Enjoyed the pace and reflections. Would recommend to others. Feel inspired to do the TA but would 100% have died in everything that Naomi survived!

Amazing narrative

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We traveled to New Zealand for the first time in 2024 and as our first overseas trip found the country enchanting. This story enabled a revisit and an expansion of knowledge of this wonderful country.

Very enjoyable and honest

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I’ve listened to a lot of ‘trail’ books and there are many similarities.
The difference with this trail story was the loneliness was palpable… but not a negative emotion . It was held aloft and carried honestly by the writer. She definitely ‘walked her own walk ‘ . My ambition to experience the TA myself one day was wavering but has now been renewed thank you :).

Every step engaging

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Naomi takes us on the adventure of a lifetime. a fantastic listen I would recommend to anyone active or sedentary

couldn't stop listening

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Loved it all … a brilliant achievement , beautifully written from the heart … every single bloody word !!!

Outstanding

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The author's account of walking Te Araroa trail from south to north. I enjoyed the descriptions of landscapes and species encountered. I would have liked more focus on the trail itself - eg the places, environments and history crossed through - and less on the author's injuries, insecurities, and her feelings for another hiker she met. Would recommend this book for people who want a focus on the personal experience of hiking.

A personal account

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.