Taking Our Family Through the Richmond Ranges on Te Araroa;
Every conversation we had with fellow trampers before starting our Te Araroa journey with our four children—aged 13, 11, 8, and 6—eventually led to one question: “So, you’re taking them over the Richmonds?”
The Richmond Range is infamous on the trail. It’s a section that demands respect, with relentless climbs, exposed ridgelines, and unpredictable weather. But our answer was always the same: “Yep, we will be.”
We set out to complete every part of Te Araroa that we felt was safe for our family. By the time we reached the Richmonds, we knew we’d be fit, trail-hardened, and well-adapted to life on the move. More importantly, we didn’t want to miss out on one of the most stunning sections of the entire walk.
Fueling the Journey
With a challenge as big as the Richmonds, food became a major consideration. It wasn’t just about carrying enough to sustain us for the 10-day stretch—it had to be lightweight, high-energy, and, most importantly, something the kids would actually look forward to eating. Because let’s be honest, eating dehydrated meals for days on end isn’t something most people get excited about.
There was only one company we trusted to tick all those boxes: Real Meals.
Hitting the Trail
After a resupply in Nelson, home to Real Meals NZ, we restarted the trail, working our way back to Hacket Hut before pushing on toward Starveall Hut. There was no turning back now. Our packs were heavy, our legs were strong, and our spirits were high.
Each night, after long days of climbing ridges and crossing rivers, those Real Meals became the highlight of our evenings. Wilderness Stew and Venison Casserole were hearty and exactly what we needed after pushing through the rugged terrain. But the real winners? Dulcie’s Lasagne from Real Meals’ Youth Range—a hands-down favourite for the treklets—and the Choco Shake, which we saved for the morning at Hunters Hut, warming us up before a big 20km day to Red Hills Hut.
Climbing the Rintouls
After arriving at Old Man Hut on day two, we knew we’d need good fuel for one of the biggest days of the section—climbing Mt Little Rintoul and Mt Rintoul. We saved the Venison Casserole for this challenge, consuming it while looking up at the steep climb we’d face in the morning.
The next day, we woke to a cold but perfect morning, once again gazing up, wondering how the day would unfold. We ate Bircher Muesli and Berry Smoothie, feeling ready for whatever the climb might bring. Our bellies were full, our energy was high, and we were excited to tackle the ascent ahead.
Lessons from the Richmonds
The Richmond Range pushed us, no doubt about it. There were moments of exhaustion, frustration, and the occasional “How many kilometers to go?” from the treklets. But there were also moments of pure magic—watching the sunrise paint the mountains gold, pushing through the final steps of a brutal ascent, and the deep satisfaction of doing something hard together.
This journey has always been about more than just walking. It’s about showing our kids what they’re capable of, proving to ourselves that we can take on challenges as a family, and embracing the beauty of New Zealand in a way few people ever get to.
The Richmonds lived up to their reputation. And thanks to Real Meals NZ, we tackled them fueled, strong, and—most importantly—together.
A huge thank you to Nathan Fa’avae and the team at Real Meals for supporting us on this journey. The right food makes all the difference, and we couldn’t have asked for better!
