Te Araroa Trust executive director Matt Claridge said the hiking route had more than 4000 walkers between September and May which was an increase of 2200 across the 2019-20 season.
It was great to see the trail returning better than post-Covid, he said.
"It is nice to get the normal traffic resuming."
With the increase came good thinking and planning for the future of Te Araroa, a 3000km trail from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
"If we’re going to see growth year-on-year then we need to make sure we’re doing our bit to promote the trail and develop the trail in accordance with sustainable numbers."
About 75-80% of the through walkers were international and many came specifically to experience the trail.
Mr Claridge believed the trail was an important market for the local economy.
"Walkers are probably not seen in the same light as cyclists or tourists that come in on a bus and stay overnight.
"They just haven’t been identified as a tourist market so we’re looking to work with towns to develop that relationship better.
"They do spend money when they come to a town, whether it’s accommodation, food, drink, hot pools ... and they definitely need to restock their supplies."
Each walker spent an average of $130-$150 a day between sections of the trail, he said.
By Cole Yeoman
