new zealand hiking
hike more.
worry less.
kia ora!
Welcome to my corner of the hiking world!
I’m Michelle, a proud Kiwi local who has called New Zealand home for the past two decades.
Since I started hiking in 2012, I’ve been captivated by the immense beauty of the great outdoors in Aotearoa.
In 2019, I embarked on an epic journey along Te Araroa, New Zealand’s iconic long-distance footpath. This life-changing experience ignited my thirst for exploration, and I haven’t looked back!
I’m currently working on conquering all ten of the Great Walks and delving into Aotearoa’s lesser-known gems.
Through this blog and my YouTube channel, I’m on a mission to inspire, educate, and empower fellow outdoor enthusiasts (especially solo female hikers) to embrace the transformative magic of hiking and tramping.
I believe that everyone, regardless of their age, experience or background, can find joy, and great personal growth on the trails.
On this site you’ll find invaluable personal insights, instructional videos, trip reports, and an array of tips and tricks to help you navigate NZ’s tracks with confidence and make the most of your tramping adventures. Enjoy!
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new to hiking in new zealand?
Whether it’s getting out on your next day hike, multi day trip or thru hiking adventure, I want to make sure you’re well prepared and know what to expect.
You Might Know Me From
youtube.
Recognise me from somewhere? I make vlogs of my hiking adventures, and share all the tips and tricks I learn along the way.
From informational videos, to gear lists, useful hiking tips, and binge-worthy series, my channel has everything you need to get started and be inspired.
thru hiking te araroa.
In 2019 I set out to thru hike Te Araraoa, a 3,000 km / 1,860 mi trail running the length of New Zealand.
I had no hiking experience, and I’d never spent a night in the wild.
Now I help aspiring thru hikers plan and prepare for their Te Araroa adventures.
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start hiking in new zealand.
The New Zealand backcountry is a vast and virtually untouched wilderness. But it’s not for the faint of heart.
NZ trails are some of the most dangerous in the world. To stay safe and arrive at your destination in one piece, you need to avoid hazards and be prepared.
Whatever your goals, whether it’s just to complete more day hikes or to embark on your first multi-day adventure, you’ll find all the info you need to start hiking in NZ here.
the long pathway: te araroa.
In 2019, inspired by other solo female long distance hikers, I decided to thru hike New Zealand’s Long Pathway – Te Araroa.
This 3,000 km / 1,860 mi trail runs the length of New Zealand from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south.
It’s highly regarded as one of the best but one of the most challenging thru hikes in the world.
And I had no prior hiking experience.
Learn more by visiting the links below.
the new zealand great walks.
The ten Great Walks of New Zealand make up a bucket list of New Zealand hiking
Comprising routes which take hikers into the wildest and most untouched regions of New Zealand, they are often described as the best walks in the world.
At an average length of 3-4 days, the Great Walks are multi-day treks which are designed to be easy enough for even the most inexperienced hikers.
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