Picture this – you’re all set for an epic outdoor adventure. As you prep your backpack, you can barely contain the world of excitement welling up! But here’s the deal – there’s this one term, backpacking base weight, that keeps cropping up in your research. You have absolutely no idea what it is or why you should care about it. The good news is that this guide will break down the core concept in an easy to digest way that even the most inexperienced hiker can make sense of! But Why Trust Me? Because I’ve been hiking for well over 5 years now, even tackled a whopping 1,700 km / 1,056 mi on New ..read more

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect gifts for outdoorsy women, you’ve come to the right place. We all know that finding the best gifts for outdoor woman can be a bit like navigating a tricky trail—challenging but oh-so rewarding when you hit the mark! But Why Should You Trust Me? Because I’m not just a keyboard warrior. I’m a woman who lives and breathes the great outdoors. I’ve been hiking since 2012, including a staggering 1,700km on Te Araroa, and this year I spent three months living out of my tent. When I’m not on the trail, I’m creating hiking videos and writing blog posts reviewing t ..read more

Just a hop, skip, and a jump from my home in Christchurch, the Kura Tawhiti Access Track is a picturesque trail that will blow your mind with its majestic limestone rock formations and breathtaking views, especially when dusted with a touch of snow-capped mountains at the end of winter. It’s perfect for both beginner hikers and tourists wanting to experience the thrill of hiking in New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes. As a seasoned solo hiker and proud kiwi tramper who now calls Christchurch home, I can give you insights from my personal experience visiting this amazing track which is just a ..read more

If you’re thinking about checking out the Castle Hill area, you’re in for a treat. This spot is not just another pretty place on the map – it’s like stepping onto another planet with its massive limestone rocks (or tors) and wide-open spaces! Plus, Castle Hill is rich with cultural history, which just makes the entire experience more intriguing. Since I moved to Christchurch in mid-2023 I’ve made the most of exploring this wilderness area on a handful of occasions, because it’s just a short 1 hour 2 minute drive from the city outskirts! In this post I’ll break down the basics of what you need ..read more

If you’re thinking about checking out the Castle Hill area, you’re in for a treat. This spot is not just another pretty place on the map – it’s like stepping onto another planet with its massive limestone rocks (or tors) and wide-open spaces! Plus, Castle Hill is rich with cultural history, which just makes the entire experience more intriguing. Since I moved to Christchurch in mid-2023 I’ve made the most of exploring this wilderness area on a handful of occasions, because it’s just a short 1 hour 2 minute drive from the city outskirts! In this post I’ll break down the basics of what you need ..read more

It’s a beautiful day, you’ve laced up your boots, your water bottle is filled to the brim, and your trail map is in hand. But wait, what about lunch? For those of us with a passion for hiking, we know the dilemma all too well – lunch is usually the least inspiring meal to prepare for when planning an upcoming hike. But if you’re like me, you can’t face another hike eating dry crackers and rubbery cheese! So, to keep you fuelled and excited for your outdoor adventures, I’m thrilled to share with you 31 different hiking lunch ideas that are not just nutrition-packed, but absolutely delicious! Le ..read more

If you’ve ever felt like a pack mule on your hikes, you know how crucial it is to get your hiking backpack weight just right. Introducing this “Backpacking Weight Calculator” that I’ve personally coded to make your hiking prep easier! When planning my Te Araroa thru-hike, I painstakingly pored over a backpacking weight spreadsheet for weeks, and whilst it meant I could get rid of unnecessary gear before I hit the trail, I lost two weeks of planning & prep time in the process. But you’re in luck! The backpacking base weight calculator in this post is your shortcut to the same smart planning ..read more

If you’re like me, nothing beats the thrill of lacing up your boots, shouldering your pack, and setting off into the great unknown. Europe, with its stunning diversity of landscapes and rich cultural history, offers some of the world’s best opportunities for thru-hiking. These long distance hikes in Europe will take you through the heart of the continent, from the rugged peaks of the Alps to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean. A long distance hiker myself, I have a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges and exhilarations these hikes present. This lived exp ..read more

Te Araroa, a 3,000 km walking route from Cape Reinga to Bluff in New Zealand, is still a very young trail in comparison to other long distance trails in the world. The trail route itself isn’t based on a historical walking route laid down over generations (like other long distance hiking trails in the world). Rather, it’s a hybrid network of 87 wilderness tracks connected by urban pathways, road walks, rivers and even beaches. As a result, it can sometimes be confusing to find your way. I walked the Te Araroa trail during the 2019/20 season, returning to the trail again in 2020/21. As a kiwi h ..read more

Are you looking for a truly unique and life-changing adventure? Then look no further than the Te Araroa Trail! Stretching across New Zealand from Cape Reinga in the North to Bluff on the South Island, Te Araroa offers an epic journey through some of the world’s most sought-after landscapes. I hiked the Te Araroa Trail in the 2019/20 season, and I’ve been writing and making informational content about it ever since, with the goal of helping aspiring hikers prepare for their adventure and make sure they have a safe and enjoyable experience. One thing I learnt is if you’re considering a thru hike ..read more