One Step at a Time

When the call of the wild is stronger than the fear of failure, where will your feet carry you?

In 2010, before Te Araroa was officially opened, Shalane Hopkins set out to walk the 3,000 km across New Zealand. Few Kiwis had heard of the trail, let alone attempted the journey. What followed was an unrelenting test of grit and resilience. Joined by a friend she met while backpacking in Australia, together they endured
relentless rain, endless beaches, unforgiving bush, injuries, failing gear, and even giardia. Then the Christchurch earthquake struck on 22 February. The women paused their walk to join the Student Volunteer Army before returning to the trail with renewed determination.

What began as a bold adventure soon became something deeper: a walk through fear, self-doubt, and the untamed edges of identity. One Step at a Time is a story of resilience and transformation — a reminder that every journey has the power to shape us, and that the steps we take towards our goal often reflect our ability to embrace our own authenticity.