Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast

181: Scuba Diving in Wellington and Motorbikes with Tyla Bow

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

Tyla grew up a gymnast, spending long hours inside - and found her freedom outdoors, especially underwater. Now based in Wellington, she shares how a childhood love of the ocean turned into a career as a scuba instructor, and why diving became her way to explore, teach, and slow things down. Tyla shares the technical side of diving, covering gear, qualifications, costs and options in New Zealand. She also breaks down fears like sharks, deep water and claustrophobia - and how knowledge, exposure and good training can help those fears. Alongside scuba, Tyla also loves riding motorbikes and reflects on how both underwater and on a bike, you have to be so in tune with your surroundings. Her advice is practical, calm, and grounded - especially for people curious about scuba or motorbikes, but unsure where to start.

Follow Tyla on Instagram: instagram.com/tyla_bow/instagram.com/tyla_bow_arts/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

180: Hiking the Cascade Saddle Route, Tramping Clubs and Influencers with Alice Milne

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 23:00:00 +1200

Alice is a tramper, blogger, speech & language therapist and mum, based in Southland. She shares about a special trip with her Dad to Cascade Saddle in Mt Aspiring National Park. Waiting for a rare bluebird weather window, they tackled the demanding route in late summer. It involved a relentless climb, exposed scrambling with huge drop-offs, and having to stash gear in long-drops away from kea. Alice shares she special moments shared with her Dad on this trip, the sweeping views of the Dart Glacier and Tititea Mt Aspiring at sunset. Alice also reflects on tramping through different life stages, levelling up her outdoors skills through courses and joining a tramping club. We discuss the realities of social media and mass tourism and the responsibilities that come with travelling and sharing wild places online.

Follow Alice on Instagram: instagram.com/alice.adventuring aliceadventuring.com/Cascade Saddle Route: what you need to know to climb safely

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

179: Vanlife and Revisiting Favourite New Zealand Hidden Gems with Daniel Mauden

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +1200

Daniel Mauden is a German-born traveller and photographer, who now lives full time on the road with his partner Dinah. He shares about childhood family trips, volunteering stints in the US, India, and the Bahamas, and the spontaneous decision to move to Aotearoa. Daniel worked in Hamilton for several years, squeezing weekend adventures around full-time work, before leaving his job and freelancing as a content creator. Daniel talks about places he keeps returning to - Cape Palliser, Castlepoint, French Pass - and why lighthouses, remote coastlines, sunset, are his favourite places to explore and photograph in New Zealand. He shares openly about the trade-offs of van life, from tight spaces to constant decision-making, alongside the freedom of waking up beside the ocean or hiking before sunrise. Daniel shares his perspective on slowing down and revisiting places deeply, instead of chasing checklists

Follow Daniel on Instagram: instagram.com/roamdates

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

178: One month into a 1000km Sea Kayak Expedition with Isaac and Abigail

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +1200

Host Abigail and husband Isaac are halfway into a 2 month sea kayak expedition. They share about preparation for the expedition, waiting out weather, their favourite sections of coastline, what they loved most and what has been challenging. Get an inside look into a self-supported sea kayak expedition in New Zealand, and get inspired to get outside and go do that THING you've been dreaming of!

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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177: First-Time Packraft Adventures and Hiking to Lake Crucible with Charlotte

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +1200

Charlotte grew up outdoors, studied outdoor education, and has spent recent years with new pursuits - from canyoning and whitewater to learning to packraft. She shares about an epic South Island summer trip with her boyfriend, that was shaped by weather windows, flexibility and spontaneous decisions. After buying new packrafts just days before their adventure, their first trip to Lake Crucible which combined jet boating, hiking, camping and packrafting among icebergs. The trip finishes with wet gear, hitchhiking, and the long walk back to the road - the unglamorous side of river journeys. Charlotte has solid advice for packrafting beginners, where to find trip reports, check flows and also knowing when to walk away.

Follow Charlotte on Instagram: instagram.com/sunshinewithcharlotte/Follow Charlotte on TikTok: tiktok.com/@sunshinewithcharlotte www.packraftingtrips.nz

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

176: A Local's Guide to Northland and Building Hiking Communities with Hannah Whittaker

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +1200

Hannah Whittaker grew up loving travel and now based in Auckland, she shares how exploring New Zealand on weekends, rather than chasing big overseas trips, reshaped how she thinks about adventure, time, and comparison. She shares about her favourite Northland spots, from the Bay of Islands and Urupukapuka Island to Duke’s Nose, Kerikeri, Mangawhai Heads, and Langs Beach. Hannah also shares practical tips for visiting Northland - where to base yourself, campsites, standout walks, access to the islands and why Northland suits both short trips and longer, slower travel. Hannah also shares how hosting monthly community hikes grew out of loneliness in her twenties, and why creating spaces for people to connect outdoors matters.

Follow Hannah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notes2home Bay of Islands summer guide notestohome.com Get Hannah's Rexby Map

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

175: Starting Tramping in her 40s and Lake Waikaremoana as a Family with Lois Baldwin

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:00:00 +1200

After up on a farm in rural Waikato, Lois Baldwin travelled and lived around the world through her 20s and 30s, raising a family overseas. It wasn't until her 40s that she started tramping and she's now gone on to complete all New Zealand's Great Walks. Lois loves bringing people together for tramping and has planned several family hikes with her kids and grandkids, including Abel Tasman and Waikaremoana with as many as 17 people! After first hiking Lake Waikaremoana in 1999, she returned in 2025 as a family, sharing about logistics, booking, transport, water taxis and what to expect if you're planning the tramp.

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

174: Fastpacking the Travers-Sabine Circuit in 2 Days with Zeb Harris

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:00:00 +1200

Zeb Harris ⁠@backcountrykiwi ⁠is a fast packer, trail runner, and YouTuber. He explains what fast packing is and how he loves to see how much ground he can cover with a light pack and a tight timeframe. Zeb shares about a weekend adventure - a 2 day fast pack of the Traverse–Sabine Circuit in Nelson Lakes National Park. Running on a few hours sleep, he covered 50km on the first day, with side-trips to bag huts along the way. He talks about stomach issues, a foot injury and how he pushes through when it gets mentally and physically tough. Zeb breaks down his gear, sleep system, poles, packs and has practical tips for anyone curious about refining their gear for tramping or fastpacking.

Follow Zeb on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/backcountrykiwi⁠ ⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠

Read the Blog: ⁠www.abigailhannah.nz⁠Follow Abigail on Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/abigailhannnah/⁠Follow Abigail on TikTok: ⁠tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/⁠⁠Get my NZ Map & Guide

173: Section Walking Te Araroa over Multiple Seasons and Battling Cancer with Te Aroha Hohaia

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 23:00:00 +1200

Te Aroha Hohaia grew up moving around the North Island, lived in a caravan as a child, and didn’t discover tramping until adulthood - starting with a summit climb of Taranaki. She shares how that first mentally and physically demanding experience reshaped her relationship with the maunga, leading to repeated climbs and a deeper connection with Taranaki. After getting hooked on tramping she decided to walk sections of Te Araroa, choosing autumn and spring windows until a breast cancer diagnosis and double mastectomy disrupted her seasonal plans. Te Aroha shares her favourite moments from the trail, walking with her mokopuna and adapting plans to fit in extra sections. She shares the benefits of section walking Te Araroa and the joy of returning to a trail and having something to look forward to each season.

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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172: Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Tongariro Northern Circuit with Ben Boland

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:00:00 +1200

Ben Boland is a born-and-bred Kiwi who didn’t grow up loving the outdoors - and once weighed close to 190kg. He shares how getting active in his 30s led him to walking tracks he never imagined tackling, starting with a humbling first Tongariro Alpine Crossing done mid–weight loss and with minimal planning. Since then he's done the Tongariro Crossing and Tongariro Northern Circuit several times. He breaks down the track in details from shuttles and direction choices to points of interest like the Devil's Staircase, Red Crater, the Emerald Lakes. Ben shares more details about the 3-day Tongariro Northern Circuit, a Great Walk that covers vastly unique terrain on each day of the hike. Ben shares advice from personal experience on when to turn back, winter conditions, gear choices, hiking poles, and carrying better food.

Thank you so much for tuning in and coming along for the ride. If you love the show and enjoyed listening, please take the time to leave a review on Apple or Spotify.

I would also love to connect with you, so send me a DM on Instagram, leave me a voice message and I can’t wait to see you next time. Until then, keep adventuring :)

Follow Ben on Instagram: instagram.com/ben.outthere/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

171: Planning an Adult Gap Year to Full-Time Van Life with Sagar and Ami

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 23:00:01 +1200

Sagar and Ami moved to New Zealand separately 10 years ago; then after years of saving and planning, decided to take an "adult gap year" to travel the world. Coming from India, they share the cultural mindset shifts and safety nets required to leave their stable careers and the intentional steps they took before leaving their jobs, like buying a house and getting New Zealand citizenship. Now, they live full-time in their van, Wanda Bee, exploring the South Island while balancing content creation with travel logistics. They share how Nelson Tasman surprised them with how much there is to explore, and their favorite spots like Wharariki Beach, Te Waikoropupū Springs, Rāwhiti Cave and the adrenaline of tackling the new Tākaka Hill via ferrata.

Until then, keep adventuring :)

Follow @sagarandami on Instagram: instagram.com/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

170: 122-Day Self-Supported North Island Sea Kayak Expedition with Joel Buckley

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +1200

Joel Buckley is an outdoor instructor who kayaked around the North Island solo and self-supported. He talks through how the idea formed early, what finally pushed him to commit, and how little he really understood about the scale of the challenge at the start. He shares about long paddle days, rough West Coast weather windows, gear failures and well as highs - like paddling with a baby dolphin in the Coromandel and the generosity of strangers. Joel had 67 paddle days in his 122-day expedition, and shares how daily distances ranged from 30km to 80km, and how he decided when it was safe to paddle. He also had a few close calls, including severe dehydration and a near miss with a ship. Joel shares practical tips for anyone that wants to start sea kayaking or begin longer expeditions.

👉 slowpaddle.nz

Follow Joel on Instagram: instagram.com/jtbuckley_outdoors

Email Joel: joelbuckley@gmail.com

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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www.nzhikingadventures.com

169: Tramping, Hut Bagging Goals, Cancer and Recovery with Verity Jackson

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +1200

Verity Jackson has been tramping across New Zealand for decades and joining a tramping club opened up off track travel, navigation skills and lifelong friendships. Actively blogging and documenting her tramps online, Verity has bagged over 350 huts, a mix of easy-accessible hut and remote bivvys. She started 2025 with a goal to bag 25 huts, but halfway through the year, Verity was diagnosed with vulva cancer. Surgery, recovery and uncertainty followed, but tramping became a way to rebuild confidence and keep moving forward. Verity reflects on resilience, the healing power of the outdoors, caring for New Zealand’s huts, and why she no longer puts adventures off for "someday". She finished the year doubling her hug bagging goal, despite the challenges along the way.

Abigail & Isaac are kayaking for 1,000km from Cape Reinga to Tauranga in Feb-Mar 2026 to raise $20,000 for mental health and the ocean. Join the community to follow our journey closely, donate or paddle with us.👉 slowpaddle.nz

Follow Verity on Instagram: instagram.com/nzhikingadventures

Buy trail cloth: www.nzhikingadventures.com/category/all-products

Bag your huts: hutbagger.co.nz

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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BONUS: Kiwi Yarns with Brodie Kane and Abigail Hannah

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +1200

This episode was originally published on Kiwi Yarns with Brodie Kane.

Today’s guest has a job that, on the surface, many would describe as a "dream job" and say, "oh, how lucky!"While there’s no denying that the titles “travel blogger,” “travel writer,” and “travel photographer” have a certain allure, Abigail Hannah’s backstory is truly fascinating.Born in Aotearoa, Abigail spent most of her childhood growing up in rural India, a place that felt like home. She later returned to New Zealand alone to begin her studies, and was diagnosed with depression some months afterwards.Abigail shares her experience of navigating one of the darkest periods of her life, and how falling in love with New Zealand - by reconnecting with nature - changed the course of her life. | Subscribe: https://bit.ly/2JPg8oBRead more:For full coverage visit www.Stuff.co.nzSubscribe to our channel: https://bit.ly/2JPg8oB

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BONUS: Creation in Isolation Podcast with Billy Nunweek and Abigail Hannah

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 23:00:00 +1200

This episode was originally published on the Creation in Isolation podcast with Billy Nunweek.

The time has finally arrived, the Creation in Isolation Podcast is back, 5 years on from episode one. This time, I go full circle by inviting my good friend Abigail to sit down and chat about her journey from a young New Zealander, growing up in India through to running her own Social Media Management business.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07lKje77LNo

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BONUS: 2025 wrapped

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 05:28:47 +1200

Please review Aotearoa Adventures wherever you listen.

The annual wrap up - a summary of host Abigail Hannah's year - her travels, her podcast, her business, her life.

Links:

Support our fundraiser: www.slowpaddle.nz
Find out more about Feijoa Social: www.feijoasocial.com
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah
Join the broadcast group

Got questions, comments, suggestions? Send me a DM!

I appreciate you being here ☺️

168: From First Tramp to Paparoa and all the Great Walks with Nicola Harvie

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Nicola Harvie is a travel blogger, tramper and mum. In her twenties, she set a goal to complete all of NZ's Great Walks before turning thirty. Starting out new to tramping, Nicola finished the full list by age 27, squeezing in the Whanganui Journey while 26 weeks pregnant and ticking off tracks alongside friends, family and solo. She shares what it was really like walking the Paparoa Track soon after it opened, including long ridge days, wild West Coast weather and the logistics that make or break a booking. Nicola talks about booking strategies, favourite Great Walk moments and why Milford and Lake Waikaremoana still stand out. Now based in Central Otago with young kids, she reflects on how adventure changes with different seasons of life and why small, local days still matter just as much as big missions.

Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today

Follow Nicola on Instagram: instagram.com/followingfaultlines

followingfaultlines.com

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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167: Finding Hidden Places and Getting Lost with Cat Macnaughtan

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:00:01 +1200

Cat Macnaughtan never thought getting lost would become the heart of her life, but that is exactly what happened. After reconnecting with her teenage sweetheart and blending their families, Cat started a travel blog called Getting Lost, capturing the messy, joyful chaos of their new adventures together, and evolved into a card game, loved around the world. Cat shares stories of unplanned road trips, a camper clipping a low power line and knocking out electricity to the entire neighbourhood, and how the game led them all the way from Dunedin to Cromwell. She shares the importance of being able to let go of control and follow curiosity, especially in this digital age - sometimes the best thing we can do, is to get lost.

Follow Cat on Instagram: www.instagram.com/gettinglostgames/

gettinglostgame.com

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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166: Caravan Living as a Family and Writing Music on the Road with Emily & Charles

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 23:00:01 +1200

Emily and Charles, the pair behind Aro, live full-time on the road with their two kids under 5. They packed up their home in Pukekohe, fitted out a custom caravan, and set off to tour Aotearoa - writing music, playing shows, and raising their kids along the way. Emily shares how she wanted to choose a life with more freedom, more adventure, realising that when the kids start school, it would be harder. Charles shares about how he loved getting more and more time together as a family, working remotely and making music on the road.They share what life in a caravan really looks like and practical advice for travelling with kids, what to expect in a new caravan, and how they plan their days around music, work and where the next good coffee - or playground is.

Follow Aro Music on Instagram: www.instagram.com/aromusicao/

www.aromusic.co.nz

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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165: An 18-Day Mission Through Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi and Abel Tasman with the National Park Trifecta

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Hannah, Isabel and Harriet are three friends from Motueka who set out to link their local national parks in one continuous 18-day journey and why connecting the Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi and Abel Tasman felt meaningful after growing up in the region. They share what it was like to climb five ranges in six days, deal with blisters and rain-soaked gear, bike between sections and paddle into whitecaps on the Abel Tasman. Fresh strawberries at food drops, long ridgeline days and tiny huts all became part of the rhythm. The trio reflects on the joy of moving under their own steam from St Arnaud to Marahau, the moments that pushed them and the pride they felt finishing something they had dreamed up together.

Follow National Park Trifecta on Instagram: instagram.com/nationalparktrifecta/

Watch the documentary

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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164: Five Months SOBO on Te Araroa and Finding Community with Deni Estivill

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Deni Estivill left her corporate job in Brisbane and found herself walking the length of Aotearoa SOBO on Te Araroa with only one overnight hike behind her. She shares how climate anxiety pushed her toward the trail, what it was like to start as a complete beginner and how quickly community formed around her. From the canoe section on the Whanganui River to a tough moment on a scree slope in the Richmond Ranges, Deni talks about the people who supported her and the small acts of kindness that shaped her journey. She reflects on the shift she felt after five months outdoors and what it meant to return home with a completely different outlook on life.

Follow Deni on Instagram: instagram.com/esti.den/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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www.valuemedia.co.nz/nzadventures

163: Best Spots and Hidden Gems in the Bay of Plenty & Coromandel with Ciska

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Ciska de Jong grew up sailing around places like Waiheke, the Bay of Islands and even remote parts of Fiji, which set the tone for a life built around adventure. After a long solo trip overseas, she moved from Auckland to Tauranga and found a slower rhythm, with more time to chase waterfalls, paddle hidden chasms and explore the Bay of Plenty. Ciska shares how NZ Adventures began with simple weekend missions and turned into a way of helping others discover what is right on their doorstep. She runs through her favourite spots across Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupō and the Coromandel, and reflects on why small adventures matter, how nature shapes her days and what keeps her exploring.

Follow Ciska on Instagram: instagram.com/nz_adventures/

Follow Ciska on Facebook: facebook.com/NZadventures/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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162: We are Kayaking From Cape Reinga to Tauranga to Raise $20,000 !!!!

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Host Abigail Hannah and Isaac Naylor are kayaking from Cape Reinga to Tauranga in 2026 to raise $20,000 for the ocean and mental health. This sea kayak expedition will take them 800km (or more), exploring one of the most beautiful sections of New Zealand coast - while slowing down, stripping life back to the basics and exploring the coastline. The couple share about where the idea came from, what prep they have done so far, how they are fundraising for the journey and how you can get involved and support the expedition.

Follow @abigailhannnah on Instagram for updates.

161: Empowering Kiwi Women in Hunting & Fishing with Wild Chix Isabell Zitzelsberger

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:00:01 +1200

Isabell Zitzelsberger moved to Aotearoa in 2012 to be closer to nature. She now spends her weekends exploring the bush and the sea, whether that’s chasing fish, deer stalking in the Kaimai Range or teaching other women to back a trailer with confidence. After years of being the “partner who just goes along,” Isabell realised how many women shared that same story. She decided to change it, founding Wild Chix - a community helping women gain skills and confidence in boating, hunting and fishing. Isabell talks about her journey from learning to tow a boat to catching her first marlin, the lessons she’s learnt in the bush, and why self-reliance outdoors matters so much. She reflects on confidence, safety and finding freedom in New Zealand’s wild places.

Follow Wild Chix on Instagram: instagram.com/wild_chix_nz/

www.wildchix.co.nz

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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160: Hut Etiquette in DOC Huts and Exploring the Whitcombe Valley with Renee Cadigan

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Renee Cadigan shares about how her love for the outdoors has evolved as her boys have grown older. Renee now explores solo, and loves discovering hidden valleys and remote huts close to home on the West Coast. She talks about her latest obsession, the Whitcombe Valley, where countless routes and huts go through rugged terrain and some of her favourite overnights and huts in the area. Then Renee dives deep into hut etiquette, sharing an awful and confronting (gross) backcountry experience at Rapid Creek Hut and what not to do when you are using public spaces like DOC huts. With humour and honesty, Renee offers practical advice on the unspoken rules that keep these special places welcoming for everyone. Renee also shares her love of the West Coast with other Coasters in her series Voices of the Coast.

Follow Renee on Instagram: instagram.com/reneecadigannz/

Follow Renee on TikTok: tiktok.com/@reneecadigannz

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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159: Exploring Northland and Living on the Road in a 12-Ton Unimog with Kyla and Louis

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Kyla and Louis are the kiwi couple behind Out the Gate Off Road and live full-time in their 1988 Mercedes Unimog. With a background in carpentry and a shared love of adventure, they designed and built every detail of their home-on-wheels themselves. They share favourite Northland locations including Ahipara, Karikari Peninsula and Whangarei Heads, tips for travelling with dogs, and how they manage life, work and CrossFit training on the road. Next, Kyla and Louis want to visit the South Island, then Australia, and one day a road trip across the Americas.

Follow Out the Gate on Instagram: instagram.com/outthegateoffroad/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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158: Mountain Biking, Towel Ponchos and a Brain Injury with Debs Brockelsby

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Debs Brockelsby is based in Rotorua and deeply passionate about adventures outdoors. After a traumatic brain injury, she realised that life is short - do cool sh*t. Debs shares about quitting her dream job at Cycling NZ, the long journey of recovery, and how mountain biking helped her rebuild confidence and joy. She talks about starting Stoked NZ, a towel poncho business inspired by her love for lake swims and riding in the forest. Debs offers advice for anyone wanting to get into mountain biking, including how to choose your first bike, where to ride, and how to find community. Her story is a reminder to chase adventure and make the most of every day.

Follow Debs on Instagram: instagram.com/stokednz/

www.stokednz.co.nz

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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157: Setting the Fastest Self-Supported Record on Te Araroa with Billy Meredith

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Billy "Wahoo" Meredith set the record for the fastest known self-supported time on Te Araroa in 2025. With a background in thru-hiking and trail running, Billy had set records in the USA on the Appalachian, Pacific Crest and Continental Divide trails - including completing all three in one year. He shares about the differences between hiking in the USA and tramping in New Zealand - the rugged terrain proving and lack of track markers proving challenging. Billy battled trench foot just 160 km away from Bluff, a mental and physical challenge with the time ticking on setting a record, as well as his visa running out. Other mishaps along the trail included opening a package with two right shoes, shin splints, thick mud and hunger. Billy shares about adapting when plans fall apart, the joy of discovering new landscapes day after day, and why tramping in New Zealand felt more rewarding than anywhere else he has hiked.

Follow Billy on Instagram: instagram.com/billymeredith_/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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156: Taranaki Three Peaks Traverse and Supporting Families in the Outdoors with Jenn Julian

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Jennifer Julian is an outdoor education teacher from Canada now based in Taranaki, raising two daughters aged three and five. With her experiences in mountaineering and LandSAR volunteering, Jenn shares about the Taranaki Three Peaks Traverse, a demanding mission linking Taranaki, Pouakai and Patuha. She reflects on completing this route after have children and the appeal of tough challenges. Alongside personal trips, Jenn founded Trails & Tots, a community to get local families outdoors - through resources, hiking groups and a gear library. She shares about barriers and benefits to getting outdoors and practical tips for tramping with kids.

Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure.

Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today

Follow Jenn on Instagram: instagram.com/trailsandtots/

www.trailsandtots.co.nz

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155: Five days on the Sladden Glacier climbing Mt Sealy and Mt Jeanette with Kaleb Anderson

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 19:53:53 +1200

Kaleb Anderson, AKA @adventuringkiwi, is a freelance photographer and videographer. His love for the mountains began with the DoE Award and multi-day hikes in Tongariro. He shares about an adventure to Sladden Glacier in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park with friends, carrying a 22kg pack with alpine gear, skis and supplies for 5 days. They dug out a snow camps and then summitted Mount Sealy and Mount Jeanette, despite setbacks. Kaleb shares advice for transitioning from tramping to alpine, the importance of learning skills. He talks about the challenge and joy of alpine missions, risk, preparation and the importance of good people around you when things go wrong.Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today

Follow Kaleb on Instagram: instagram.com/adventuringkiwi/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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154: Working as a Sky Diving Instructor in Wānaka with Anne Bonfert

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Anne Bonfert has been skydiving for ten years and worked as an instructor across the world, from Namibia to Spain. Living her long-time dream, she came to New Zealand with her husband to spend a season jumping over Wanaka and Queenstown. Anne shares her experience as an instructor, from taking nervous first-timers to managing up to 15 jumps a day. Anne talks about the process to becoming an instructor, the different pathways you can take, and the best drop zones across the North and South Island. Alongside skydiving, Anne and her husband made the most of their days off, tramping to backcountry huts, kayaking Abel Tasman, and even making it down to Stewart Island.

Follow Anne on Instagram: instagram.com/mydreamofafrica

Follow Anne on Medium: medium.com/@anne.bonfert

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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153: Arthurs Pass and Three Attempts at Mount Philistine with Amelia Hayes

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Amelia Hayes works in the trucking industry, but one Instagram photo of Peak Hill reignited her love for the outdoors. Based just two hours from Arthur’s Pass, Amelia has explored the area more times than she can count. She shares about her three attempts at climbing Mount Philistine - long days with friends, and eventually reaching the summit - with no view at all. Amelia talks honestly about the frustration of falling behind, the pressure of hiking in groups, and how it felt to finally make it to the top. She also shares the best day hikes in Arthur’s Pass, birdlife to look out for, and all the little roadside stops worth pulling over for.

Follow Amelia on Instagram: instagram.com/mealzhikes/

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BONUS: Community Hike - Tāmaki Makaurau

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 09:48:29 +1200

The Aotearoa Adventures whānau got offline and out in nature for the FIRST TIME EVER to celebrate 3 years of podcasting and well...it's probably about time.

Meet the legends that were there, they dropped some epic travel recommendations. I learnt some epic things too.

Ashley: @littlekiwitravels

Beccy: @beccyvincent

Katy: @katheryne_mck

Cole: @2passingthru

Rachael: @nz.rainbow.hunter

Mohamed: @md._.ahamadi

Kristina: @kristinamonts

Garfield: @dersteppemwolf

Kaelyn: @misswalkalot

Where would you like to see the next Aotearoa Adventures community hike?

152: First Ascents on Mount Lindenfeld and Mount Haast with Justin Wimmer

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Justin Wimmer grew up between Aotearoa and Europe, skiing in Austria and climbing in New Zealand from a young age while also being involved in YSAR. He shares the story of setting two new alpine routes in Aoraki National Park - Mount Lindenfeld and Mount Haast - with storms, rime ice, and long glacier approaches to climb remote rock and ice walls. Justin also talks about essential gear for beginners and reflects on risk and the alpine culture in New Zealand.

Follow Justin on Instagram: instagram.com/alpinedirtbag

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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151: House Sitting across New Zealand with Travel Writer Jessica Lockhart

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Jessica Lockhart is a travel writer with Lonely Planet and has spent 3 years house sitting across New Zealand. She shares about the concept of being a parachute journalist and the importance of getting to know a country on a deeper local level. Jessica shares advice for anyone that wants to housesit - including where to find sits, what to expect with pets, finding routine with instability and some mishaps along the way. She also shares her favourite destinations and experiences in New Zealand to connect with the history and culture for visitors and Kiwis alike.

Follow Jessica on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnelockhart

Shop Lonely Planet NZ

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150: Hunting Wapiti in Fiordland with Jarrod McLachlan

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Jarrod McLauchlan is an aircraft engineer based in Nelson with a love for alpine hunting. Growing up, his weekends were filled with motocross and mountain biking and later discovered a love for hunting as a way to connect with others. Jarrod shares about drawing a coveted Fiordland wapiti ballot - but then having to wait 3 years before he could go. He talks about the importance of having the right crew and what gear is essential. Jarrod's favourite moments were seeing the first Wapiti - and seeing a wild kiwi in Fiordland. He shares the world of hunting in a beginner-friendly way with helpful tips and advice.

Follow Jarrod on Instagram: instagram.com/j_mclauchlannz

Hunting Wapiti in Fiordland

www.bloodlinegear.co.nz

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www.wildboyadventures.com

149: Solo Expedition on Rakiura and ADHD with Wild Boy Brando Yelavich

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:01 +1200

Brando Yelavich AKA Wild Boy has spent the past decade chasing knowledge of the world and of himself through epic expeditions. He has walked the coastline of New Zealand, skied across Greenland, sea kayaked around Vancouver Island and cycled across Australia. He shares about his Solo Expedition on Rakiura Stewart Island to circumnavigate its rugged coastline. Brando shares what it was like to navigate wind–swept scrub, survive on minimal food, and celebrate his birthday alone. He talks about the turning point when he abandoned his original plan, chose curiosity over ego, and began exploring the island’s waterfalls, granite cliffs and subantarctic–like beaches. Brando reflects on ADHD, storytelling and the importance of doing adventures for the right reasons.

Follow Brando on Instagram: instagram.com/brandoyelavichexplorer/

Watch Wild Boy (limited time): docedge.nz/events/wildboy/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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148: A Mountaineering Career and Climbing Mt Aspiring with Dom Huxley

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Dom Huxley made a name for himself after climbing Aoraki Mt Cook as a teenager. The outdoors became a safe haven for Dom early in his life and since then, he's climbed Mt Aspiring more than a dozen times and spent seasons mountaineering in Nepal. Dom shares about a recent Mt Aspiring trip and how he took a friend up for their first mountain summit. They camped under rock bivvys and had a 15 hour day with 1,200m of altitude gain. Dom shares about some of the technical parts of alpining - from altitude sickness in Nepal, to gear that's important to have and communities for beginners to learn skills. He reflects on his shifting perspective of the mountains and says, "the biggest thing I'd tell people is just to go and look at a mountain. Not everything has to be climbed. Not everything has to be summited."

Follow Dom on Instagram: instagram.com/rum_doodle/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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147: An Ocean Obsession, Great White Encounter and Spearfishing with Laura Kuggeleijn

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Laura Kuggeleijn discovered spearfishing while living in the middle of Auckland - with her first catch at Ti Point. Laura shares about learning to hold her breath, navigating seasickness, and slowly shifting her fear of sharks into awe. Laura shares stories of diving off Great Barrier Island to encountering a great white shark up close at Stewart Island Nationals. She talks about how the ocean has shaped her friendships, built resilience, and helped her reconnect with her adventurous self.

Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today

Follow Laura on Instagram: instagram.com/spearotual_mermaid/

Listen to Spearo Diaries

Freediving Community: Salt Aotearoa

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146: Hiking to Barker Hut and Ranking NZ's Best DOC Huts with Chris Lierheimer

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:01 +1200

Chris Lierheimer moved to NZ from Colorado and quickly fell in love with the DOC hut system - and made a spreadsheet to rank them all. He shares about tramping to Barker Hut, a remote and challenging alpine hut near Arthur’s Pass. After misreading the route and starting late, the hike pushed them to their limits. Chris shares lessons from that trip and why he believes the backcountry in New Zealand holds a kind of magic. He shares about grief, creativity and joy and tips for anyone that wants to start tramping.

Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@ChrisLierheimer

Hut Ranking Spreadsheet

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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145: Solo Tramping the Mangamate Loop in Whirinaki Forest Park with Sharon Evans

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Sharon Evans AKA @freewheelingkiwi shares her story of solo tramping the Mangamate Loop in Whirinaki Forest Park. After years away from multi-day hiking alone and logistics to sort, she spent three days on the trail -with stream crossings, freezing nights and full huts. But a magic moment hearing wild kiwi call in the bush made it all worth it. Sharon offers honest advice for beginners, practical gear tips, and a reminder that solo adventures and expeditions are less about strength and more about mindset. She also touches on hiking Te Araroa and staying authentic on social media.

Follow Sharon on Instagram: instagram.com/freewheelingkiwi/

Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/c/FreewheelingKiwi

www.freewheelingkiwi.com

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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144: Solo Adventures, 4WDing and Being Multi-Passionate with Grace Reeves

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:01 +1200

Grace Reeves, is a self-described “slightly hippie ADHD adventure princess slash country cottage girly” and building a life full of outdoor adventure, softness and freedom. After working in tech, she spent a year solo on the road in a campervan, eventually settling in her dream home in rural Canterbury. She shares about how four-wheel driving opened up wild places, like her solo mission to Macaulay Hut. Grace also represented NZ in competitive shooting, she now enjoys deer stalking and hunting. She reflects on being multi-passionate, managing energy and expectations and has advice on solo adventures, prioritising hobbies with intention, and letting go of the need to be the best.

Follow Grace on Instagram: instagram.com/gracelikesthis

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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143: Intro to Rock Climbing and NZ's Best Crags with Josh Parker

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Josh Parker started climbing in 2019 and was hooked after one gym session. Since then, he’s set a goal to climb Grade 27 and now spends most weekends at the crag. Josh shares about his favourite North Island spots like Kawakawa Bay and Waipari, his first multi-pitch route, and the joy of finding a like-minded climbing community. They talk about mental challenges, gear progression, and what it’s like to start from scratch. They break down They break down climbing styles like bouldering, sport and trad; explain jargon like “beta”, “crux” and "grigri" and explore how climbing can be both physically challenging and unexpectedly healing.

Follow Josh on Instagram: instagram.com/j.pharker/

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142: Tramping and Exploring Aotea Great Barrier Island with Kristina Montgomerie

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Kristina Montgomerie is back to share all about Aotea, Great Barrier Island. A travel and outdoors content creator, Kristina has hiked some of the country’s toughest hikes, now balancing her love for adventure with motherhood. She talks about hiking the Aotea Track - both the two-day and three-day versions with advice on which routes to avoid, like the gorse-ridden clay Tramline Track. Kristina shares practical tips on getting to Great Barrier Island, rental car logistics, and why flights are often a better choice than the ferry. Beyond the track, she explores lesser-known gems like the Kaitoke hot springs, the hidden Mermaid Pools, and remote beaches that require a bit of gravel driving. Kristina reflects on how hiking with a toddler has shifted her priorities and how she’s building a new list of kid-friendly hikes.

Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today.

Follow Kristina on Instagram: instagram.com/kristinamonts

Get Kristina's Rexby Map: www.rexby.com/Kristinamonts/newzealand

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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141: Best Christchurch and Canterbury Adventures with Kids with Jasmine Trafford

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Jasmine Trafford lives in Christchurch with her two young children and shares about her journey finding outdoor adventures that work for their family. Growing up in Marahau, she loved sea kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park. Jasmine shares her favourite family-friendly spots in Christchurch and Canterbury, from Mount Vernon Valley and Sign of the Bellbird to Mount Thomas Conservation Area and the hidden Tumbledown Bay. Jasmine also shares about an overnight trip to Quail Island that had a few surprises. She has tips for new Mums, safety advice for the outdoors, and through Kiwi Kids Outdoors, Jasmine has built a community of parents exploring nature together, offering weekly meetups and nature playgroups for young families in Canterbury.

Follow Jasmine on Instagram: instagram.com/kiwi_kids_outdoors/

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140: Off-Track Tramping to the Unknown in Rockburn Valley with Sarah Morrison

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 05:07:34 +1200

Sarah Morrison shares about an epic off-track tramp to Lake Unknown, Park Pass Glacier and Lake Nerine in the Rockburn Valley. Her love for tramping started in the Auckland Uni Tramping club with some questionable adventures like stream-bashing and long, late-night drives. Now based in central Otago, she gets out every weekend tramping, mountaineering or tramping. Sarah shares about a six-day adventure planned in under 24 hours to the Rockburn Valley and some untouched buckelist scenery. The rough terrain was a challenge, including a 13 hour day when the weather was about to turn. She shares tips for beginners, what to pack for a multi-day trip and the importance of upskilling and gaining confidence in the outdoors.

Follow Sarah on Instagram: instagram.com/sarah.kmorrison/

Follow Sarah on TikTok: tiktok.com/@adventuregirlnz

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139: Slow Travel in an EV and Catlins, Dunedin and Oamaru with Mature Flâneur Tim Ward

Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Canadian Tim Ward retired early when Covid-19 disrupted his business and found a love for slow travel, as a self-proclaimed Mature Flâneur. Finally finding an excuse to visit New Zealand, he visited with his wife and they maxed out their tourist visa, staying for three months and exploring as much of the country as possible. Tim talks about his favourite experiences in the Catlins, Dunedin and Oamaru, including where to see penguins, waterfalls, unique architecture, quirky steampunk culture and even ghost stories. Tim shares his tips for travelling in an EV as well as his impressions of New Zealand as an outsider and how it compares to slow travel in Europe.

Follow Tim on Medium: https://medium.com/mature-flâneur

Buy his book: Mature Flaneur in New Zealand: Slow Travels in the Land of the Kiwi

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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138: An Obsession with the Mountains of Tongariro National Park with Hazel Phillips

Fri, 23 May 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Hazel Phillips shares her deep love for Tongariro National Park and the wild stories behind her new book Fire and Ice. Living in Ohakune, Hazel has spent years exploring Ruapehu and Tongariro, uncovering hidden huts, old memorials, and the impacts of receding glaciers. She talks about Ruapehu Crater lake’s surprising tourism past, the spiritual significance of Ngāuruhoe, and why intent matters when we explore sacred places. Hazel shares her Mallowpuff altitude test, favourite swimming holes, and tips on how to find off-track adventures using a topo map. This episode is full of practical advice for exploring the park for newbies and seasoned trampers.

Follow Hazel on Instagram: instagram.com/hazelphilli/

Get her book: Fire and Ice: Secrets, histories, treasures and mysteries of Tongariro National Park

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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137: A 5 Year Journey from Budget DIY Van to Dream Home-on-Wheels with Abigail and Isaac

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Host Abigail Hannah speaks with her husband Isaac about their dream to live on the road full-time in a van. Their journey began in 2020, with a $2,800 Mitsubishi van and they have now completed their $60k home-on-wheels build. Isaac shares the process of self-containment regulations and how to build a basic setup with simple tools. They discuss their favourite features of each van and the lessons learnt through each design process. Abigail breaks down cost expenses for their current dream van and the products that have truly taken this build to the next level. They share their excitement to live off-grid, travel New Zealand slowly and explore in new ways.

This episode is brought to you by Dometic, the brand I’ve personally chosen for my own van build and off-grid adventures. Shop online now: ⁠www.dometic.com⁠

Fridge: Dometic NRX 80C
Induction cooktop: Dometic CVI1525
Basin: Dometic VA8000
eSYSTEM pre-wired board: Enerdrive eSYS-D
Solar Panel: Enerdrive 190W Fixed Mono Solar Panel
Battery: Enerdrive B-TEC 12V 200Ah G2 Lithium Battery
Inverter: Enerdrive 2000W 12V True Sine Wave Inverter

Follow Dometic on Instagram: instagram.com/dometic

Follow Enerdrive on Instagram: instagram.com/enerdrive_australia/

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Join the broadcast channel on Instagram

136: Pushed to her Limits on the Hump Ridge Track and Slow, Mindful Travel with Helen Griffiths

Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 +1200

The Hump Ridge Track is New Zealand's newest Great Walk, and Helen Griffiths was pushed to her limits as she experiences the best and worst day of her life on the trail. Helen is a photographer, originally from the UK, and found herself stuck in New Zealand during the Covid pandemic. She has a love for slow travel and exploring deeply, rather than quickly. Helen shares about her experience on the Hump Ridge track, where she was challenged immensely, while also having the most incredible experience and memories. She shares her thoughts and advice around how to be mindful when you travel and the importance of connecting with the land around you.

Follow Helen on Instagram: instagram.com/_helengriffiths/

www.helengriffiths.co

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135: Ultra-Swimming and 11 Hours to Swim Across the Cook Strait with Ivan Polyntcev

Fri, 02 May 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Ivan Polyntcev started ultra-swimming - an elite open-water sport - less than six years ago, after moving to New Zealand. As a professional dancer, Ivan wanted a new sport to get into competitively. He started swimming in the ocean and soon he was hooked. Ivan attempted to cross the Cook Strait two years ago, but didn't even get in the water to start. He shares about the mental and physical journey to return and attempt the crossing a second time. His accomplishment makes him one of 200 people in the world that have swum the Cook Strait and it is globally infamous for its powerful tides, unpredictable currents, wildlife, and hazardous conditions. Ivan shares the lows and highs of the crossing, the logistical preparation and what might be next for him in ultra-swimming.

Follow Ivan on Instagram: instagram.com/ivan.swims/

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BONUS: Listen to Abigail on the Kiwi Yarns Podcast

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:37:16 +1200

Abigail Hannah had the privilege of being interviewed on the Kiwi Yarns podcast with Brodie Kane. Listen to the full episode on all major platforms.

WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYmBtr9kk5Y

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FEtXmUxF1gbzovTpKsGHO

APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/kiwi-yarns/id1516048486

And follow Abigail on Instagram for some exciting news: instagram.com/abigailhannnah

134: Three Months of Road Trips and Hut Bagging in the South Island with Sophie Wakelin

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Sophie Wakelin is a doctor, who quit her job in Wellington to spend time travelling. Over three months in the South Island, she slept out of her car and bagged 67 huts from Nelson Lakes to Rakiura Stewart Island. Sophie shares her top three favourite huts, including Mataketake Hut that required a second attempt to get to. She shares the challenges she faced while tramping solo, how to grow your confidence in the outdoors and plenty of ideas for your next South Island tramp or hut bagging mission.

Follow Sophie on Instagram: instagram.com/dr_sophs/

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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BONUS: Easter Long Weekend

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Please leave a review for Aotearoa Adventures on Spotify or Apple.

Find your next adventure inspo here: PODCAST EPISODE DIRECTORY

Life is life-ing at the moment for host Abigail Hannah as she is in a period of transition both personally and in business. She is taking a break this week to go tramping with whānau and will be back next week with another epic guest episode.

In the meantime, go ahead and binge some previous episodes or re-listen to your favourites.

Until next time, keep adventuring!

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/

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133: Tramping the Heaphy Track from Karamea to Collingwood with Jacq Nesbit

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +1200

Jacq Nesbit started tramping in adulthood and she shares about walking the Heaphy Track from Karamea to Collingwood. Jacq managed to find last-minute tickets on Monday to start the Great Walk on a Thursday - and be back in time for work the following Monday. She details what to expect each day on the Heaphy Track. At 85km, it is the longest Great Walk and often overlooked due to the complex logistics. Jacq shares the best options for shuttle, what to take with you in your pack, as well as her favourite moments from the trail.

Heaphy Track bookings for the 25/26 season open on 15 May 2025: ⁠https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/online-bookings/⁠

Follow Jacq on Instagram: instagram.com/feet.first.nz/

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132: Nine Months of Solitude Walking Northbound on Te Araroa with Naomi Arnold

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Naomi Arnold fulfilled a 20-year dream when she walked Te Araroa northbound (NOBO), from Bluff to Cape Reinga. What she expected to be a 4-5 month trail turned into 9 months as she juggled freelance work and writing a book on the trail. Her determination meant she pushed through all the physical and mental challenges, never for a moment wanting to quit, despite how tough it got. Her absolute favourite moment was the Tongariro Crossing and experiencing the forces of nature in the volcanic area. Naomi reflects on how hard the trail and physical challenges were day in and day out, and particularly the solitude she experience on the trail without meeting anyone else for weeks on end. Get her book NORTHBOUND available now.

Follow Naomi on Instagram: instagram.com/naomijarnold/

www.naomiarnold.net

GIVEAWAY: Email me at hello@abigailhannah.nz or send me a DM on Instagram to enter the draw and win a copy of Northbound - 3 to give away!

Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz

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FREEBIE: 14 Day South Island Itinerary

Join the Broadcast Channel on Instagram for the inside scoop: https://www.instagram.com/j/AbYd1Flco4Sb02UP/

131: Conservation and Lessons from the Bush with Bushman Sam the Trap Man

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Sam the Trap Man is a bushman - he goes foraging, fishing and hunting - and at his core he is a conservationist, living in harmony with the ecosystems around us. Growing up in the East Cape, Te Uruwera feels like home to Sam. He shares about one of his favourite trails, the Koranga Tawa Loop, because of the mahinga kai the bush provides, and encounters with endangered birds. Now a parent, Sam loves to share his knowledge of the flora and fauna of New Zealand with his kids. They love identifying plants, fishing, mushrooming and learning to navigate the bush. He shares his best advice for people that want to support conservation and biodiversity, while stressing the importance of learning-by-doing and getting out there. Get his book Sam the Trap Man.

Follow Sam the Trap Man on Instagram: instagram.com/sam_the_trap_man/

Follow Sam the Trap Man on TikTok: tiktok.com/@samthetrapman

Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@samthetrapman4579

samthetrapman.nz

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130: Full Time Vanlife and Staying Off-Grid in Fiordland with Jord and Tom

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Jord and Tom quit their jobs 7 years ago to travel to the other side of the world. A few vans later, Jord and Tom have a caravan in New Zealand and share about Fiordland - one of their favourite locations. They stayed off-grid in Fiordland and loved Te Anau for fun activities like jet boating and helicopter trips. The couple share all their best advice for first-time and long-term vanlifers, from choosing the right size space to how to shower. They share travel hacks for the best apps in New Zealand for vanlife, which memberships are worth it and how to live on the road full-time and budget friendly.

Follow Jord and Tom on Instagram: instagram.com/tasmantravels/

Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@TasmanTravels

tasmantravels.com

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129: Tramping Four Epic South Island Hikes in 10 Days with Stacey Walker

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 23:00:00 +1200

In just 10 days, Stacey Walker ticked off four epic hikes in the South Island - Earnslaw Burn, Lake Wilson, Mueller Hut and Brewster Hut. Stacey started to get into tramping by herself, just going out on weekends and exploring local trails. As a planner, she started a list of bucketlist hikes and started doing them around her standard 9-5 job. Planning to do just 3 hikes in 10 days in the South Island, they added on a spontaneous overnight at Mueller Hut! Stacey's favourite moment was sharing Earnslaw Burn with her Mum, a moment they had been dreaming of for years. She shares about their logistics, and how to get started tramping and finding others to go with. Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today Get my NZ Map & Guide Book your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary Thank you so much for tuning in and coming along for the ride. If you love the show and enjoyed listening, please take the time to leave a review on Apple or Spotify. I would also love to connect with you, so send me a DM on Instagram, leave me a voice message and I can’t wait to see you next time. Until then, keep adventuring :) Follow Stacey on Instagram: instagram.com/stacey._.walker/ Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide

128: 4WD Adventures across the Length of the South Island with Rich Soult

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Rich Soult has spent years exploring the South Island with 4WD adventures, turning his passion for off-road driving into a career. Having lived in the UK, New Zealand, and France, he started writing for 4X4 Magazine before launching his own guiding company in 2020. Now, Rich leads epic 4WD tours through some of the South Island’s most iconic locations. He shares about their two-week north to south route, covering the iconic Macaulay, Godley, and Hopkins valleys, Old Man Range, Mavora Lakes and more. From braided rivers to alpine passes, beaches to remote backcountry tracks, his trips showcase New Zealand’s world-class overlanding. He shares some of his favourite campsites, how to start overlanding, important skills and upcoming tours.

Follow 4x4 Explorer Adventures on Instagram: instagram.com/4x4exploreradventures/

www.4x4exploreradventures.co.nz

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127: Tramping an Unmarked Route to Gorge River with Elvisa Van Der Leden

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Elvisa Van Der Leden was invited to Gorge River to visit the Long family and set off on a two-day unmarked route with three friends. She is a conservationist whose work has taken her from Antarctic islands to Taranaki and marine science. The group brought different skills to the tramp as they navigated thick bush, river crossings, map reading and boulder hopping. They got lost a few times and learnt lots along the way. Elvisa then celebrated her 30th birthday at Gorge River with a surprise cake. She shares tips for off-trail hiking and highlights the importance of conservation in New Zealand and what people can do to get more involved in conservation efforts.

Follow Elvisa on Instagram: instagram.com/amiable_elvie

Tramping to Gorge River

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Get the Roam with Kids app

126: Adventures with Kids and a Peach Cove Rescue with Renata Wiles

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Renata Wiles, founder of Roam with Kids shares about an easy adventure turned misadventure on a weekend to Peach Cove Hut. While pregnant, Renata and a friend took their two toddlers on an overnight to Peach Cove Hut which ended in someone getting helicoptered out and the other having to carry extra gear out the next day. Renata shares about the importance of mindset when hiking with kids and shares helpful tips for parents want to go on hard adventures. The Roam with Kids app helps parents across New Zealand find child-friendly playgrounds, cafes and events.

Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkoutfor 10% off and start planning your dream trip today

Follow Renata on Instagram: instagram.com/renataroaming/

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125: Jetboating 27 Wild Rivers on a Solo Trip with Ollie Sharpe

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Ollie Sharpe got into jetboating after watching YouTube videos and then bought his 3.5m boat. He shares about a two-week solo jetboat trip where he covered 27 rivers across Canterbury, Otago and the West Coast, venturing up valleys and spending a couple nights up every river with his dog. Ollie talks about his favourite rivers, how he started to get into boating, logistics, his biggest lessons and how you can start too. He also shares about winter trips and how they are different to boating in summer. Next, Ollie is keen to explore Fiordland and the North Island in his boat.

Discover the best of New Zealand with myNZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. UsePODCAST10at checkoutfor 10% off and start planning your dream trip today

Follow Ollie on Instagram:instagram.com/olliesjetboating/

theroadlesswritten.com.au

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124: A Bucketlist Birthday Group Trip to New Zealand with Travel Podcaster Jackie Nourse

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 23:00:00 +1200

When travel podcaster Jackie Nourse turned 40, she decided to celebrate in the best way possible - finally ticking New Zealand off her bucketlist. Jackie hosts group trips around the world and created an incredible itinerary for Aotearoa that covered the best of the Southern Alps, combining cycling, hiking, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. She shares their journey, from biking the stunning Lake Dunstan and Around the Mountains trails to staying in DOC huts in the Dark Sky reserve. She shares about her absolute favourite experiences and how New Zealand compares to other places that are close to her heart - like Lake Tahoe and Patagonia. For first-time visitors and kiwis alike, this episode is packed with inspiration of hidden gems, epic trails and great advice for your next adventure.

Follow Jackie on Instagram: instagram.com/travelingjackie/

Listen to Jump with Jackie podcast: jumpadventures.com/podcast/

Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/travelingjackie

travelingjackie.com

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123: Best Auckland Adventures for Kids with Outdoorsy Hijabi Mum Veronika Edali

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Veronika Edali is an outdoorsy hijabi mum based in Auckland who loved getting outdoors as a family with her two kids. She shares her 5 top spots to explore - from short walks, waterfalls and beaches - that are perfect for a weekend adventure. Veronika also talks about her top tips and advice for parents getting outdoors, and a particularly memorable snow trip with the family. Veronika is a Muslim revert and empowers other hijabis to get outdoors by sharing her stories and creating a modest swimwear and adventure wear brand called WOMMO.

Discover the best of New Zealand with myNZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. UsePODCAST10at checkoutfor 10% off and start planning your dream trip today

Follow Veronika on Instagram:instagram.com/veronikaedali/

Follow WOMMO on Instagram:instagram.com/wommo.co/

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122: Solo Female Travel in New Zealand in Your 50s with Larissa Hubbard

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 23:00:00 +1200

After her marriage ended, Larissa Hubbard found herself solo travelling in her 50s as she spent 4 months in New Zealand to allow herself the space to heal. Based out of Bob's Cove, Arrowtown, Clyde and Twizel, Larissa spent longer in each location and found routine, sharing the rituals that helped ground her. She talks about her favourite day trips, walks and local spots across Otago and Canterbury. To finish her trip, Larissa did a two week road trip, and shares the highlights of her route - including Arthurs Pass and the West Coast.

Discover the best of New Zealand with myNZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. UsePODCAST10at checkoutfor 10% off and start planning your dream trip today:

Follow Larissa on Instagram:instagram.com/larissa_in_wonderland_2023/

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121: Avoiding Vanlife Mistakes and Life on the Road in NZ with Tiff and Nathan

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Tiff and Nathan hail from Australia and have been living on the road in NZ for 3 years. They had a terrible experience buying a van in a private sale which turned out to be a lemon! They share their lessons learnt so that no one else has to go through the same awful process. Now they love slowing down and exploring slowly. The duo @theroadlesswritten share their favourite locations in the Abel Tasman and Marlborough regions and tips for first-time visitors or full-time vanlifers in order to make the most of your time in New Zealand and embrace the slower, more conscious pace of life.

Discover the best of New Zealand with myNZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. UsePODCAST10at checkoutfor 10% off and start planning your dream trip today

Follow Nathan & Tiff on Instagram:instagram.com/theroadlesswritten/

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120: Multi-Passionate Adventures and the Olivine Ice Plateau with Alexander Hillary

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 23:00:00 +1200

Alexander Hillary describes himself as a generalist when it comes to outdoor adventures. He is multi-passionate about mountaineering, hiking, kayaking and more. Alex manages the Himalayan Trust NZ and Hillary Outdoors, carrying on the philanthropic legacy of his grandfather, Sir Edmund Hillary. In this episode, he shares about a spontaneous expedition to the remote Olivine Ice Plateau, located in a wilderness area. Despite the lack of information about their route, they navigated the challenging terrain and had a successful 10-day adventure. Alex shares tips for other's that want to start outdoor adventures and emphasises how lucky we are with our resources in New Zealand. He shares about the Summit Challenge that takes place every year in March and invites you to sign up!

Discover the best of New Zealand with myNZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. UsePODCAST10at checkoutfor 10% off and start planning your dream trip today

Follow Alex on Instagram:instagram.com/alexhillary/

Summit Challenge 2025

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BONUS: Kicking off 2025 with Abigail Hannah

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:09:26 +1200

Host Abigail Hannah shares about 2024 and what's coming up next in 2025. She covers:

Highlights of Aotearoa Adventures in 2024
All about her 3 month global trip - Nepal, India, UK & USA
What's coming up in 2025 (spoiler: vanlife)
How you can support Aotearoa Adventures in 2025

1-on-1 calls and custom travel itineraries

SAVE 5% on the Dishing Up Digital School - for new social media managers

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119: Three Teens' 900km Cape to Cape Human Powered Journey with Olly, Will and Thomas

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:00:00 +1200

Olly Dow is an avid tramper who had an idea to cross the North Island from Cape to Cape. He met mountain bikers Will and Thomas and the teens started planning and training for this epic journey which began as a line drawn across a map. They share about the preparation, the most difficult days of the journey and the moments they loved the most - like walking the Tongariro Crossing with 20 mates. Their 900km expedition took them through the Waikaremoana and Whirinaki forests on foot, down the Whanganui River in canoes and included sections of biking. Completing this journey in 18 days makes this the fastest known time to do this crossing. The boys have raised funds for Child Cancer NZ, so support their kaupapa at the link below.

KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand, building great gear that you need to be fully prepared. Visit keaoutoors.com to see their full range of survival gear and outdoor accessories.

Donate to their Child Cancer Foundation fundraiser

Follow Cape to Cape on Instagram: instagram.com/capetocape2024/

Follow Olly on Instagram: instagram.com/olly.dow/

Follow Will on Instagram: instagram.com/willdunn_mtb/

Follow Thomas on Instagram: instagram.com/twinter.cc/

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118: Hut Bagging and Visiting Over 500 DOC Huts with Benjamin Pigott

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 23:00:44 +1200

Benjamin Pigott remembers visiting his first ever DOC hut and knowing he just had to visit all of the huts in the Tararua Ranges Now, he has bagged over 500 huts all across the North and South Island and is on a mission to visit them all. Working as an asset inspector at DOC has enabled him to get out into the bush often. Benjamin talks about some of his favourite huts he's visited, tips for hut bagging and how to get started if you've never been to a DOC hut before.

KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand, building great gear that you need to be fully prepared. Visit keaoutoors.com to see their full range of survival gear and outdoor accessories.

Follow Benjamin on Instagram: instagram.com/wekas_adventures/

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117: Bikepacking to all 23 New Zealand Ski Fields with Tara and Naomi

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +1200

Tara and Naomi set off on a 46 day journey across the NZ North and South Islands to visit every ski field while bikepacking. The duo, @pedals2powder both loved and enjoyed skiing, yet the bikepacking and logistics of planning a 7 week adventure was a new challenge. Tara and Naomi share about their favourite club fields, including Mt Olympus, Fox Peak, Awakino, Broken River and Craggy Burn. Winter presented challenges due to short days, unpredictable weather and cold temperatures, but the pair enjoyed so many memorable moments, including finishing the journey at Treble Cone with over 100 other skiers-cyclists! They say, "if you have an idea, you're the only one getting in the way... so just do it!" A documentary of their epic journey will be featured at various film festivals in 2025.

KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand, building great gear that you need to be fully prepared. Visit keaoutoors.com to see their full range of survival gear and outdoor accessories.

Follow Pedals to Power on Instagram: instagram.com/pedals2powder/

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instagram.com/4x4offroadsolutions/

116: 4WDing and Camping as a Family in the South Island with Kerry Quigley

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 23:00:00 +1200

Kerry Quigley gets outdoors often with his family, 4WDing and camping as it brings them peace and calm to what is normally a busy life. His kids, now aged 7 and 3 had their first camping trips at 1 year and 8 weeks old. Kerry shares about a particularly memorable trip on a long weekend trip to the Hopkins Valley. Several families were on this trip and the weather started to turn on the last day. Kerry says "you don't need much to get out," and shares his tips for packing, gear and some of his favourite locations. As a family, they cherish making memories together and enjoy fishing on their trips.

KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand, building great gear that you need to be fully prepared. Visit keaoutoors.com to see their full range of survival gear and outdoor accessories.

Follow Kerry on Instagram: instagram.com/quigs_outdoorlife/

www.4x4offroadsolutions.co.nz

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115: Quitting his Corporate Job and Preparing for Five Months of Thru-Hiking Te Araroa with Anurag Sharma

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 23:00:00 +1200

Anurag Sharma moved to New Zealand in 2002 but didn't start tramping until moving to Wellington 16 years later. Since then, he has done all the Great Walks and recently set his sights on Te Araroa. Although it started as something he would do "one day," losing his mother was a catalyst to set a date for Te Araroa and start preparing. Anurag talks about self-discovery and the importance of trying new things and stepping outside your comfort zone, particularly as a South Asian immigrant challenging cultural norms. Despite setbacks, including an ankle cyst, surgery and changing his start date, he is excited to start walking and raise money for 10 different charities.

KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand, building great gear that you need to be fully prepared. Visit keaoutoors.com to see their full range of survival gear and outdoor accessories.

Follow Anurag on Instagram: instagram.com/ragshikes

Subscribe on Youtube: youtube.com/@ragshikes

Donate to Anurag's fundraiser for 10 charities

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114: Sea Kayaking for Beginners and the Best of the Hauraki Gulf with Bennett Lim

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 23:00:00 +1200

Bennett Lim has always been drawn to the water and set his sights on sea kayaking as a teen. Since then, his obsession with paddling has grown and being based in Auckland means the Hauraki Gulf is right on his doorstep! Working as a sea kayak guide and instructor, Bennett spends his days off doing other personal trips and multi-day missions. He has explored most of the islands in the Gulf, with a goal to circumnavigate all the islands, including Waiheke and Aotea Great Barrier. He talks about the best spots to explore in the Hauraki Gulf depending on what type of adventure you'd like. Bennett shares his advice for anyone that wants to start sea kayaking, covering gear, skills and how to overcome the biggest barriers to getting started.

KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand, building great gear that you need to be fully prepared. Visit keaoutoors.com to see their full range of survival gear and outdoor accessories.

Follow Bennett on Instagram: instagram.com/benditto_/Auckland Sea Kayaks

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113: Tramping the St James Walkway and an Unexpected Encounter with Olivia, Jacinda and Sarah Blair

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 23:00:00 +1200

Sarah Blair started tramping with her daughters, Jacinda (16) and Olivia (12) recently. In this episode, they share about tramping the St James Walkway over 5 days. They share about the route, suitable for beginner and advanced trampers, huts along the way and their favourite moments. They had an unexpected encounter involving an old hunter's hut, wild horses, the police and kiwi hospitality. The trio love getting outdoors together and find that their bond deepens when they see one another at their worst and they create so many special memories together. They share advice for other families with teens that want to get outdoors.

KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand, building great gear that you need to be fully prepared. Visit keaoutoors.com to see their full range of survival gear and outdoor accessories.

Follow Sarah on Instagram: instagram.com/sarahblairadventures/

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Watch Paddle X on YouTube

112: Crossing the Cook Strait on a Paddleboard and Surf Lifesaving with Britt Spencer

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +1200

Britt Spencer is the first person to cross the Cook Strait on a prone paddle board. She shares about her journey getting into surf life saving, her deep love of the sport and how she has competed at an international level. Despite the Cook Strait being notoriously dangerous and previous health challenges, Britt decided she wanted to attempt a crossing between the North and South island. Her community rallied around her, supporting her goal through the training, logistics and providing safety during the crossing. Britt talks about emotions she felt on the day, from the physical challenges to the high of completion. She shares awesome advice for anyone else working towards a huge goal that may feel unreachable.

KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand, building great gear that you need to be fully prepared. Visit keaoutoors.com to see their full range of survival gear and outdoor accessories.

Follow Britt on Instagram: instagram.com/brittjayspencer/

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⁠Ellen Mackenzie’s Dishing Up Digital School⁠

BONUS: One year of running a business

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:18:37 +1200

One year on from quitting her corporate job, Abigail Hannah shares her journey of running a business. In this episode she covers:

A breakdown of earnings and expenses
Biggest lessons learnt
Mindset and confidence
Losing and gaining clients
What's next for 2025
Regrets and what she would do differently

VOTE for Aotearoa Adventures in the NZ Podcast Awards: ⁠https://www.nzpodcastawards.com/nominate

⁠Get my NZ Map & Guide

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111: Coming Home to New Zealand and Living in a Kombi as a Family with Kirianna Poole

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 07:54:09 +1200

Kirianna Poole, author of The Slow Road, grew up on the East Coast. After living overseas in Australia and Japan, she brought her family of 5 to New Zealand to live on the road in their 1964 VW Kombi and caravan. Kiri shares all about the 18 month journey across the North and South Island. Kiri talks about her three favourite locations, favourite campsites and why they are so special and memorable for the family. Living in a 1964 Kombi also has its challenges, and she shares about an incident in the Homer Tunnel. Kiri and her family still live on the road, shipping their Kombi to Japan and Hawaii, and then to the rest of the world.

KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand, building great gear that you need to be fully prepared. Visit keaoutoors.com to see their full range of survival gear and outdoor accessories.

Follow Kiri on Instagram: instagram.com/theslowroad_/

Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@theslowroad

Buy The Slow Road: The Complete Guide to Vanlife in New Zealand

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