Description

What happens when a seven-year-old sets out to walk the length of Aotearoa New Zealand with her mum? An unforgettable adventure begins – one filled with mud, magic, and moments of true courage.
Emilie Walks Te Araroa is a true story about young explorer Emilie Bruce, who completed the 3,000-kilometre Te Araroa Trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff over six months. Along the way, Emilie wades through wild rivers, climbs steep mountain passes, and discovers the wonders of the backcountry – befriending curious birds, watching whio ride the rapids, and learning how everything in nature is connected.
But the trail isn't always easy. There are wasp stings, freezing rivers, endless mud, and tough days when giving up feels tempting. Through it all, Emilie and her mum walk side by side, building strength, resilience, and a bond that carries them all the way to Bluff – and beyond.
Told in Emilie's fresh, funny, and heartfelt voice, Emilie Walks Te Araroa will inspire tamariki and whanau to get outside, explore the natural world, and believe in their own strength. Written by award-winning author Victoria Bruce – Emilie's mother – this book is a joyful, empowering tribute to the wild places that shape us and the young people who will protect them.
Perfect for readers aged 8-12, and everyone who loves a true story of adventure, connection, and courage.