Billy "Wahoo" Meredith set the record for the fastest known self-supported time on Te Araroa in 2025. With a background in thru-hiking and trail running, Billy had set records in the USA on the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide trails - including completing all three in one year. He shares about the differences between hiking in the USA and tramping in New Zealand - the rugged terrain proving and lack of track markers proving challenging. Billy battled trench foot just 160 km away from Bluff, a mental and physical challenge with the time ticking on setting a record, as well as his visa running out. Other mishaps along the trail included opening a package with two right shoes, shin splints, thick mud and hunger. Billy shares about adapting when plans fall apart, the joy of discovering new landscapes day after day, and why tramping in New Zealand felt more rewarding than anywhere else he has hiked.
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