"Trail angels' The locals offering help and hope to weary hikers

Donna Barkley was weeks into walking New Zealand's longest hiking trail when her strength started to falter. Starting at the northern tip of the country in mid-October, the American hiker had trudged south along vast empty coastlines, over farmland and through dense forests thick with mud.

- Eva Corlett WELLINGTON

By the time she reached Bombay, just south of Auckland city, the 64-year-old solo hiker was worn out and questioning her ability to go on.

I realised that some parts of the trail might be too tough for me," she said.

But then, a so-called "trail angel" came to the rescue. "[She] welcomed me into her house, and asked me how I was doing. I started crying and telling her about my challenges."

Barkley's host asked her to jot down the things she was scared of and what she wanted to get out of hiking the Te Araroa trail - a 3,000km route winding down the spine of New Zealand. After providing a home-cooked meal, she reviewed the list and offered Barkley tips over which sections to avoid and which to attempt.

The emotional support "was so amazing", Barkley said, that not only had it been a motivational pick-me up, it had given her permission to avoid the more gruelling parts of the trail.

Te Araroa is one of the world's most diverse trails, with walkers navigating mountain terrains, coastlines, farmland and cities. Each year, about 2,000 walkers travel the route: some in a continuous journey over months, others dipping in and out to hike sections.