Shows
Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast175: Starting Tramping in her 40s and Lake Waikaremoana as a Family with Lois BaldwinAfter 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...
2026-02-271h 01Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast174: Fastpacking the Travers-Sabine Circuit in 2 Days with Zeb HarrisZeb 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 br...
2026-02-2058 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast173: Section Walking Te Araroa over Multiple Seasons and Battling Cancer with Te Aroha HohaiaTe 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 he...
2026-02-1358 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast172: Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Tongariro Northern Circuit with Ben BolandBen 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 Tong...
2026-02-0657 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast171: Planning an Adult Gap Year to Full-Time Van Life with Sagar and AmiSagar 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...
2026-01-301h 11Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast170: 122-Day Self-Supported North Island Sea Kayak Expedition with Joel BuckleyJoel 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...
2026-01-2355 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast169: Tramping, Hut Bagging Goals, Cancer and Recovery with Verity JacksonVerity 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 sh...
2026-01-161h 02
Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastBONUS: Kiwi Yarns with Brodie Kane and Abigail HannahThis 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...
2026-01-091h 07
Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastBONUS: Creation in Isolation Podcast with Billy Nunweek and Abigail HannahThis 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=07lKje77LNoFollow instagram.com/billynunweek/Follow...
2026-01-021h 21Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastBONUS: 2025 wrappedPlease 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.nzFind out more about Feijoa Social: www.feijoasocial.comFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnahJoin the broadcast groupGot questions, comments, suggestions? Send me a DM!I appreciate you being here ☺️
2025-12-2128 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast165: An 18-Day Mission Through Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi and Abel Tasman with the National Park TrifectaHannah, 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...
2025-11-2855 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast162: We are Kayaking From Cape Reinga to Tauranga to Raise $20,000 !!!!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...
2025-11-0750 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast137: A 5 Year Journey from Budget DIY Van to Dream Home-on-Wheels with Abigail and IsaacHost 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...
2025-05-1648 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastBONUS: Listen to Abigail on the Kiwi Yarns PodcastAbigail 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=LYmBtr9kk5YSPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FEtXmUxF1gbzovTpKsGHOAPPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/kiwi-yarns/id1516048486And follow Abigail on Instagram for some exciting news: instagram.com/abigailhannnah
2025-04-2801 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastBONUS: Easter Long WeekendPlease leave a review for Aotearoa Adventures on Spotify or Apple.Find your next adventure inspo here: PODCAST EPISODE DIRECTORYJoin the broadcast channel on InstagramLife 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.
2025-04-1808 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastBONUS: Kicking off 2025 with Abigail HannahHost 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
Get my NZ Map & Guide
1-on-1 calls and custom travel itineraries
SAVE 5% on the Dishing Up Digital School - for new social media managers
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok...
2025-01-0612 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastBONUS: One year of running a businessOne 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
Ellen Mackenzie’s Dishing Up Digital School
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abi...
2024-10-3034 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast107: Learning to Freedive, Spearfish and Building Community with Renee TaylorRenee Taylor describes herself as a "city girl" - that was until she discovered freediving at 30. Since then, she lives on the coast where she has created a community to help other wāhine connect to the ocean. Renee shares about her first experience spearing a kingfish, saying you can never have those "first" moments again. She also talks about the dangers of the oceans and her near-miss with a boat. Renee says there are so many benefits that come from learning to freedive - to calm your mind, practice breathwork and slow down. While freediving has increased in p...
2024-09-2737 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast106: Overlanding in the Old Man Range and 4WD Trips with Jono HitchcoxJono Hitchcox shares about a 5 day Overlanding journey in the Old Man Range with a community of 4WD enthusiats. Growing up in Timaru, Jono's love for the outdoors started with tramping and road trips as a family. When he got his driver's license, he started to get off road more and a love for 4WD was born. In 2018, Jono started a YouTube channel, Lost Sheep Adventures, to help others learn more about overlanding in New Zealand. He hosted their first annual community trip in 2022 to the Old Man Range and faced challenges in the snow and changing weather conditions...
2024-09-2041 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast103: The Ultimate New Zealand South Island Road Trip in Winter with Barb and RegBarb and Reg are well-travelled, having been to every continent between them. Host Abigail talks to her in-laws about their successful three week road trip around the South Island, where the challenges were few. Barb and Reg share their favourite experiences, from Doubtful Sound to a small pounamu store. They reflect on what makes New Zealand a special destination compared to other parts of the world - it is peaceful and quiet. Their advice to other people that want to visit is to allow as much time as possible, to travel in a campervan, and to let yourself slow...
2024-08-3041 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast100: Celebrating 100 Episodes of the Aotearoa Adventures Podcast with Abigail Hannah and Special Host Olly Dow100TH EPISODE SPECIAL: This episode is hosted by Olly Dow, interviewing Abigail Hannah about her journey creating the Aotearoa Adventures podcast over the last 100 episodes.
Aotearoa Adventures wouldn't be possible without our weekly guests with their awesome stories, and without our listeners tuning in every single week. Thank you to everyone who is a part of this community.
Watch the 100th episode recording on Instagram: instagram.com/reel/C-Hq5fBJWtm/
Support the Cape to Cape 2024 kaupapa and donate to Cancer Society NZ: https://www.capetocape.nz/ Follow Olly, Will & Thomas on...
2024-08-0928 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast099: Moving to New Zealand and Learning to White Water Kayak with Isaac NaylorIsaac Naylor grew up in Nepal where he spent his childhood summers hiking with his family. He met host Abigail Hannah at boarding school in India and now they have been married for 5 years. Isaac got a one-way ticket to New Zealand and studied Outdoor Education at university. He fell in love with the outdoors and rekindled many of his childhood passions - hiking, rock climbing and camping. Most recently, Isaac has loved honing his white water kayaking skills. He shares about the community he's found around kayaking and details a particularly memorable New Years trip at Murchison. Isaac...
2024-08-0235 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast096: Camping and Hiking in Northland as a Family with Waikato Mum Anna O'BrienWaikato Mum Anna O'Brien shares her love for hiking solo, with her kids or with her girlfriends. Her favourite trip was a Northland adventure with her three kids - from Whangaroa to Whangarei Heads, hiking and camping along the way. She talks about the simplicity and magic of their journey, an adventure that the whole family looks back on fondly. Anna's passion for the outdoors and motherhood is so evident in all her stories, and her positive attitude is contagious. Alongside family adventures, Anna tries to have one big solo adventure every year - time to herself to enjoy...
2024-07-1237 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast094: Climbing Mt Maunganui 38 Times in 14 Days and Living a Nomadic Lifestyle with Bri O'BrienBri O'Brien set herself the challenge to climb Mt Maunganui 38 times - the height of Mt Everest - in 14 days. Since losing her Mum to lung cancer, Bri has done many fundraisers to support the cause close to her heart. She discusses the challenge of setting a goal, holding yourself accountable and finding the motivation to show up day after day. Originally from the USA, Bri has lived overseas for several years, from an exchange program at college to working holiday visas in Australia and New Zealand. She talks about the joy she finds in living at alternative lifestyle...
2024-06-2838 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast085: Bikepacking as a Beginner and a Solo Trip from Christchurch to Queenstown with Katy BinchyKaty Binchy is in New Zealand on a working holiday visa and decided this is the year to try new things and enjoy being in nature. Together with a friend, they bought second hand bikes off TradeMe and went on their first bikepacking trip from Christchurch to Nelson. While in New Zealand, Katy is house-sitting in different cities so when they were moving from Christchurch to Queenstown, Katy thought to herself, "why don't I just cycle?" She set off on her first solo adventure, over ten days and it proved to have challenges, learnings and of course some beautiful...
2024-04-2637 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast084: Low Carbon Adventures Around New Zealand on Foot, Bike and Public Transport with Shanti MathiasShanti Mathias is an Auckland-based journalist who is passionate about getting around without a car. Shanti also loves tramping and trail running, and uses public transport or a bicycle to get to her destination. She shares about a recent adventure from Auckland to Miranda, using a train, bike and ferry for the weekend trip. For Shanti, travel without a car leads to creativity and fun, poring over maps, forcing you to slow down and practice gratitude. While acknowledging the limitations and frustrations of low carbon travel, Shanti talks about why it's so important to reduce our carbon emissions and...
2024-04-1938 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast083: Finishing Te Araroa as a Family Two Years Later with Deanna GerlachMother of three, Deanna Gerlach says the idea to walk Te Araroa was conceived during covid lockdowns, from their suburban home in Sydney. The family sold everything in Australia, spent two weeks in hotel quarantine in New Zealand and then started walking the length of the country from Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) to Motupo-hue (Bluff). Day 1 on the trail was the family's first overnight tramp, but within three weeks they were trail-fit. Deanna reflects on the experience saying, "we loved it," but there were tough days for everyone. Flooded rivers in Canterbury meant that they had to skip...
2024-04-1244 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast082: Family Heli Trips to Chancellor Hut and Almer Hut with Hami TangioraHami Tangiora lives on the West Coast and a recent annual family tradition is to catch a helicopter to remote back country huts to spend the night. While the familly do lots of hiking together with the young kids, Hami decided that they would treat themself to something special. The first trip was to Chancellor Hut above Fox Glacier for an overnight stay, where their only company was two dozen kea. The following year the family took Dominos pizza up to the remote Almer Hut above Franz Josef Glacier. Although the terrain around the hut can be a hazard...
2024-04-0531 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast081: Ski-Touring and Camping on Tasman Glacier in a Storm with Helena SodergrenHelena Sodergren is a multi-passionate adventurer and a scientist. From horse-riding to skiing to surfing to mountain biking, it really seems like she does it all, alongside holding a PhD in physics. Helena grew up on a farm in remote Sweden, and say this is where her sense of adventure began. She shares about a recent mission with a group of seven, spending nine days on Tasman Glacier and sitting through a big storm, an incredible experience. Helena also talks about another adventure to Bell Pass, where everything went wrong. Her advice for others who are multi-passionate is that, "...
2024-03-2937 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast080: Safety in the Outdoors and the Importance of Carrying a PLB with Katie JohnstoneKatie Johnstone's love for the outdoors started young and grew with her annual father-daughter tramping trips. After going on her first solo hike, she decided to jump in deeper and tackle Te Araroa. Katie soon learnt the importance of carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) when one of her fellow trampers got injured and Katie had to pull their PLB for them. Later on the trail, Katie got into a sticky situation during a river crossing attempt and had to pull the PLB for her own safety. She shares some of the lessons she's learnt, other occasions where she...
2024-03-2234 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast079: Exploring the Trails in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park with Heather MarstonHeather Marston had a mantra that she would never visit the same place twice...but that was before she had been to Aoraki Mount Cook. From ski trips as a child, to a study abroad program during uni and later moving to New Zealand, Heather says the curiosity for adventure was sparked early on in life. She shares about a particular trip to Mount Cook National Park in winter, where the weather looked miserable, but it turned into a magical experience in the snow. Heather shares all the different trails in and around Mount Cook village - Hooker Valley...
2024-03-1540 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast078: The 10 Great Walks in 10 Days Challenge with Jordan PrattJordan Pratt set himself a challenge that would test his physical and mental limits - 10 Great Walks in 10 days across the North and South Islands. The complex logistics meant that Jordan was supported by a team that were the 'glue' of the challenge. They provided a morale boost and banter at the end of every trail, as well as sorting transport, accommodation, food and telling Jordan when to eat, sleep and stretch. The hardest part were days 4-7 after the 78km Heaphy track with a window of wet weather. What surprised Jordan most about this challenge was the people that...
2024-03-0745 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast077: Five Days, 85km on Abigail Hannah's First Solo Hike on the Old Ghost RoadHost Abigail Hannah set out to do the longest hike she'd ever done - solo! Abigail breaks down the how she decided to set out on the Old Ghost Road on her own and all she did to prepare for this. Knowing and preparing her gear was a significant part of the journey to independence and Abigail breaks down her gear list (below). While Abigail absolutely thrived in the first three days of her journey, soaking in and enjoying the beautiful views, the challenges came on day 4 and 5. Abigail's strength and resilience was tested as she struggled physically and...
2024-03-0144 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast076: Two Weeks Tramping in the Kaweka Ranges as a 17 Year Old with Olly DowOlly Dow is 17 years old, based in Tauranga with a huge love for the outdoors. When he's not at school or on a weekend adventure, he's working at macpac or training with youth search and rescue (YSAR). He shares about the first time he went tramping without his parents - and how it was a pivotal moment that has enabled him to have many more trips with his mates. Olly shares about a recent 11 day tramp in the Kaweka ranges with a mate. One of the lessons learnt is that you can't be prepared for everything - as increased...
2024-02-2341 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast075: A Ski-Packraft-Tramping Expedition from Mt Aspiring to Waiatoto with Nick PascoeBased in Wanaka, Nick Pascoe is surrounded by opportunities for adventure. Combining his passions, Nick had the idea to ski, packraft and tramp from Mt Aspiring to the Tasman Sea, down the Waiatoto River. After convincing two mates to come along, they got started on planning their route, based off trip reports, satellite imagery and topomaps. The 7 day mission took them skiing over glaciers, packrafting across glacial lakes and bush-bashing before navigating technical white water down the Waiatoto. Their gear was easily 30+kg, due to the ski equipment, packrafts and camping gear. Nick shares his advice for planning your...
2024-02-1637 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast074: The Frustration and Elation of Landscape Photography with Meghan MaloneyMeghan Maloney is an award-winning professional landscape photographer in New Zealand. Her work has let her travel all across New Zealand and she describes herself as an obsessive compulsive checker of weather apps, as weather is absolutely everything when it comes to landscape photography. We talk about the stories behind every photo, including driving silly distances to get sunrise shots on the East Coast and sunset shots on the West Coast from Moeraki Boulders to Lake Matheson to Roy's Peak in 24 hours. Meghan was chasing the Aurora for 7 years, before finally capturing it in 2023. Next on her photo bucketlist...
2024-02-0939 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast073: Southland's Five Great Walks in Five Days with Simon PattonWithout being able to run a 5 km race, Simon Patton set the goal of walking five NZ Great Walks in just five days. Born and bred in Southland, Simon lived overseas and worked around New Zealand before moving back to Invercargill. He realised that five of New Zealand's Great Walks were located nearby in Southland and set out to run them all in just five days. It was a logistical challenge, but Simon was backed by friends and family that supported his adventure. He built up his fitness in the months leading up to the challenge and lucked out...
2024-02-0233 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast072: White Water Kayaking and a Harrowing Accident with Ryan LucasRyan Lucas remembers his first time in a kayak at 13 and soon he was hooked on the white water sport. With the Kaituna as his home river, Ryan spent all his free time kayaking and it was his main passion for 10 years. In 2017, Ryan had an accident after paddling a 20 metre fall and describes it as the worst case scenario. He was knocked unconscious and stopped breathing before being rescued by a friend. Ryan shares about the harrowing experience and the mental challenge it was to get back onto big waterfalls after the accident. Ryan talks about tips for beginners...
2024-01-2638 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast071: Travelling New Zealand in a Van and LOTR Filming Locations with Charlotte and JamesAs part of their travels around the globe, Charlotte and James opted to spend a year in New Zealand on a working holiday visa, taking advantage of flexible working arrangements and travelling as much as possible in their van. Based out of Auckland, they share their favourite spots for weekend escapes and adventures, including Rangitoto, Waiheke and the beaches and maunga in Tāmaki Makaurau. For a further escape, they loved Waihi, Raglan and Matamata. As lovers of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, Charlotte and James have enjoyed visiting different filming sites around the country. They a...
2024-01-1937 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast070: Learning to Surf in New Zealand with Amber HolyoakeAmber Holyoake discovered her love for surfing in Portugal and found herself hooked to the sport from then onwards. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, she loves the east coast and west coast beaches that are so easily accessible. Amber breaks down the sport for beginners, sharing some of the surfing lingo, the best way to get started, while sharing her own journey and her passion. She has noticed a growing community of women surfers and loves to help new girls get into surfing. Despite injuries and setbacks, she is eager to get back on the waves and fuel h...
2024-01-1238 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast069: Hitchhiking and New Zealand's Great Walks with Howie McFadyenHowie McFadyen grew up in Christchurch and got interested in the outdoors through his Outdoor Ed classes at school. He shares about his attempt to hike all six of the the Great Walks in the South Island and getting between them hitchhiking. Although Howie didn't manage to complete them all, he had an incredible time over 5 days, completing some of the walks in days and travelled over 800kms in strangers' cars. This journey kindled his love for hitchhiking and Howie is planning some new journeys that combine his love for hiking, skiing, mountain biking and mountaineering with hitchhiking. He...
2024-01-0535 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastBONUS: 2023 WrappedYour annual wrap up with Abigail Hannah, looking back at 2023 and forward at 2024.
In this episode Abigail covers:
Introduction (00:00)
Looking back at Aotearoa Adventures in 2023 (01:21)
Travel plans for the summer (05:36)
Self-employed business journey (14:20)
Looking ahead to 2024 (17:36)
Sign up to my VIP email list here to be the first to get all the fresh news: www.abigailhannah.nz (trust me you wanna be on it)...
Thank you SO MUCH for your support in 2023, especially if this is the first year you discovered the podcast, welcome!
2023-12-2521 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast068: An Epic Northland Road Trip and Vanlife with a Toddler with Renata WilesRenata Wiles shares about her first time experiencing vanlife in Northland as a family. Renata grew up in New Zealand but spent a couple years overseas before moving back home when her baby, Gaia was born. Following the Covid-19 lockdowns, they decided to give vanlife a go with their toddler, exploring Northland for the first time. Renata loved the 10-day road trip from the Tutukaka Coast, Bay of Islands, Far North and Kauri Coast. We talk about some of the must-dos on a Northland road trip, including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Renata and her family loved their experience so...
2023-12-2241 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast067: Hiking and Trail Running in Mount Somers with Lauren KorstromLauren Korstrom is an outdoor lover from Canada, who now lives in Methven, Canterbury. With Mount Somers in her back yard, Lauren has become quite passionate about the area, and the huge variety of tracks that there are from family-friendly beginner tracks to more advanced hiking. Mount Somers is also home to the popular Woolshed Creek and Pinnacles Huts for an overnight tramp. Lauren has always been a runner, but wanted a change from road running. She recently competed in her first trail running race, which combines her love for running and hiking in the Mount Somers half marathon...
2023-12-1536 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast066: Getting the Most out of Local Weekend Trips with Ashley ElliottAshley Elliott @littlekiwitravels shares about juggling a full-time job and making time for smaller local escapes on the weekends. She methodically plans each detail of the trip, to fit in as much as possible in a small amount of time. We talk about some of the best spots in the Waikato to visit, including the Coromandel and Waitomo - from flower fields to waterfalls to hot springs. Whether you're doing a lot of activities or you're having a more relaxed getaway, Ashley says it's important to be with people that match your vibe, so you can get the most...
2023-12-0834 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast065: Exploring the Skies, Paragliding in New Zealand with Josh and CalebWe live in a time where we can fly and explore the skies - something our ancestors only dreamed of. Caleb Dearlove and Josh Townshend share their love for paragliding in New Zealand. Josh is a paragliding instructor in Christchurch and Caleb recently found himself hooked on the sport. In this episode, they share the process of how anyone can get their paragliding certification to fly solo and they recommend Queenstown for your first recreational tandem flight. Caleb and Josh both share some of their close calls when landing and their favourite moments in the air.
2023-12-0144 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast064: West Coast Solo Road Trip and Kiwi Hospitality with Neha ParanjapeFrom Franz Josef to Karamea, Neha Paranjape did a solo road trip on the rugged, remote West Coast in her little hatchback. Her adventure included a glacier heli hike, golden sunset at Okarito lagoon, bush walks in the rain and her favourite moment was the kiwi hospitality she experienced at Karamea. Neha was unsure when a local gentleman offered to take her to the Ōparara Arches, but it turned out to be an amazing experience and a day they both remember fondly. Although Neha has lived all across the world, the West Coast holds a special place in her h...
2023-11-2438 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast063: Tramping the Canyon Creek Track as a Beginner with Debbie CartwrightDebbie Cartwright has always had a deep love for the outdoors. She shares about how it took her 47 years to start tramping. Debbie's first overnight hike was the Canyon Creek Track in Ahuriri Conservation Park. Her first time with a pack, almost forgetting her hiking poles and having a really windy night, Debbie shares all the ups and downs of that first time. Over the next three years, she has levelled up her hiking game with multiple tramps, snow skills and overseas trips as well. Debbie shares about the differences returning to Canyon Creek with more experience under her...
2023-11-1740 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast062: Hiking the Three Passes Route from Arthur's Pass to Hokitika with Pat NolanPat Nolan grew up on the West Coast of New Zealand and describes his outdoorsy family. From a young age, he would accompany his father on deer hunting trips into the backcountry. In this episode, Pat shares about the Three Passes Route from Arthur's Pass to Hokitika with his daughter over Harman Pass, Whitehorn Pass and Browning Pass. With a sudden change in weather, they had an awfully long day out of the Styx Valley, route finding with multiple river crossings, before eventually getting out to the carpark at 11pm. Pat's favourite moments were watching his daughter's delight around...
2023-11-1041 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast061: Moving to New Zealand and Travelling with Photographer Scott HowesRaised in London, Scott Howes was never an outdoorsy person until his late 20s. He moved to New Zealand on a working holiday visa at 30 years old, just before the eligibility cutoff for the visa. Based out of Wellington, Scott has explored every part of Aotearoa, "except for Great Barrier Island and the Chatham Islands." He shares his two favourite places, Taranaki and Fiordland. Scott also shares his favourite hidden gems in the North and South Island - Kaweka Forest Park, Arthurs Pass and Nelson Lakes National Park. After returning from an overseas holiday, Scott is looking forward to...
2023-11-0340 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastBONUS: I Quit My Corporate JobAotearoa Adventures host, Abigail Hannah, shares her big life update - quitting her 9-5. While this may look like Day 1, Abigail pulls back the curtain on the last six years that have led to this point, from failed businesses, upskilling in marketing courses and side-hustling. She shares about the self-doubt and imposter syndrome that kicked in pretty quick, while at the same time knowing she made the best decision possible. Abigail answers the big, “what’s next?” question and her plans for Feijoa Social into 2024. Abigail shares some of her learnings in business and advice for other people - and mo...
2023-11-0138 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast060: Unforgettable Experiences in New Zealand with First-Time Visitor Tracy CollinsTracy Collins dreamed of visiting New Zealand for 50 years. She shares the highlights and unforgettable experiences of her whirlwind trip - with five days in the North Island and nine days in the South Island. Rotorua was on Tracy's bucketlist since she was a child and saw a TV show about the geothermal wonderland. As a first-time visitor, she raves about Wai-o-Tapu, Te Puia and the Polynesian Spa. Her South Island highlights included the TranzAlpine train, hiking Hooker Valley, staying in Queenstown and Milford Sound. As someone who does not enjoy hiking, Tracy was surprised at how much she...
2023-10-2737 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast059: Two NZ Epics - Bicycle Circumnavigation and Packraft Traverse with Dunc WilsonDunc Wilson is the first person to have cycled the entire coastline of New Zealand. He set off from Mission Bay in an Auckland summer and circumnavigated the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island over the next 8 months. Over his 10,940 km expedition, Dunc's rule was to stay as close to the coast as possible. He shares his love for the simplicity of life - just getting from A to B each day. After writing a book, The Big Loop, about his bicycle circumnavigation, Dunc is now onto his next big expedition, Waka Waewae, traversing Aotearoa in a packraft...
2023-10-2042 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast058: Converting a Bus to Explore New Zealand with Warrick and ChenéWarrick and Chené have South African roots and visited New Zealand together in 2022. They fell in love with the South Island and decided they wanted to make it home again. They bought a Toyota Cruiser bus on TradeMe without seeing it and arrived in NZ three months later. They have DIYed the entire build and are really looking forward to hitting the road to travel slowly and revisit their favourite places in the South Island. Warrick and Chené are excited to go to Milford Sound again, what they call, "a cross between Jurassic Park and Avatar." Working for their own Af...
2023-10-1337 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast057: A Healing Journey on Te Araroa Trail with Germaine[TW: Sexual Abuse] Germaine shares her transformative journey on Te Araroa trail, after contemplating this adventures for years. She opted to only walk the South Island section, as it represented everything she loved about hiking – mountains, vistas and isolation. Germaine faced physical challenges, including navigating treacherous terrain and unrelenting foot pain. Mentally, her toughest moments came when she confronted her unresolved emotions and trauma from past sexual abuse. Te Araroa offered her a sanctuary to process these feelings and the trail became a canvas for her healing journey, nature patiently waiting for her to emerge stronger and more resilient. Ge...
2023-10-0640 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast056: Vanlife, the East Cape and Life Done Differently with Lisa JansenLisa Jansen moved to Aotearoa for a study-abroad semester and stayed. She wondered what life would look like if it wasn't a family focused or career focused life and decided to travel in a van for a summer. It quickly turned into full-time vanlife as she found herself travelling Aotearoa for 4 years, despite the challenges of lockdowns during the global pandemic. During the winter, Lisa would housesit and now is a full-time housesitter, with flexible working in her marketing role. Lisa shares about one of her favourite regions in New Zealand - the untouched and rugged East Cape of...
2023-09-2942 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast055: Hiking with Kids to Mt Brown and Mental Health with Renee CadiganThe first hike Renee Cadigan did with her two boys was Mt Brown, a four hour hike which turned into seven. Following a head injury, Renee had a challenging journey to recovery, both physically and with her mental health. When she started hiking with her boys, knew this was something they needed more of. Renee shares some of other her other favrourite walks, even when things didn't go to plan - including Mueller Hut and Lake Kaurapataka. She shares advice for families that want to hike with their kids and encourages anyone on the trail to cheer kids along...
2023-09-2241 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast054: A Memorable Week on the Road from Kaikōura to AorakiYour host, Abigail Hannah, shares a whirlwind week-long roadtrip from Kaikōura to Aoraki with only three days of annual leave! It was a packed trip - from whale watching in Kaikōura to exploring LOTR film sites to climbing 2,200 stairs before sunrise. This roadtrip was inspired by Abigail's cousins visiting from the UK and it was extra special to be able to share her favourite region in NZ, Aoraki, with them. The trip includes many kilometers of driving down gravel roads, and plenty of steps on the hiking trails. Listen to find out what Abigail's favourite moments were (hi...
2023-09-1525 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast053: An 85-Day Southern Alps Traverse with Penzy DinsdaleThe prep for Penzy Dinsdale's epic Southen Alps Traverse expedition started months in advance. She started mapping a route and included plans A, B, C and D for weather contingency. The final route took her through some of the most beautiful part of the backcountry, including Pioneer Pass, Lochnagar and Aoraki/Mt Cook to Farewell Spit. On day six, Penzy faced her biggest mental hurdle and wondered if she would go on to finish the expedition. The next day she mustered up the courage to continue, with encouraging messages from friends over the InReach, before she reassessed in Wān...
2023-09-0840 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast052: Getting Outdoors, Walking and Wellbeing with Kaelyn KingiKaelyn Kingi AKA @misswalkalot started walking after Covid-19. She found that she was sick of being "stuck" indoors all the time and decided that walking was something she wanted to do more. Kaelyn shares the Māori concept of te whare tapa whā and the importance of caring for your physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing. She found that walking helped her connect with all of these and she found a safe haven in the outdoors. Kaelyn talks about kaitiakitanga and the part that everyone can play in doing better when we're exploring the outdoors, from cleaning boots at ka...
2023-09-0141 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast051: Bikepacking around the South Island with Rachel DaviesRachel Davies first visited Aotearoa at seven years old and knew it was somewhere she wanted to return. When she moved to Wellington, she started out as a kayak guide. Her next adventure took her on a three week bikepacking adventure around the South Island - the longest bikepacking trip she had done. She fell in love with the pace of biking and had several more adventures and shorter bikepacking trips, including a hectic 32 hour race around the Banks Peninsula, where crossing the finish line alone was a massive achievement. Rachel Davies is also a watercolour artist and combines...
2023-08-2538 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast050: Living and Travelling in a Caravan as a Family with Bronson and ChelseaBronson and Chelsea hit the road in their caravan with a toddler and 15 month old twins. They spent a year and a half exploring all that the South Island had to offer, including a "trip within a trip" to Stewart Island. We talk how they almost turned around in the first week, and other challenges along the way. Also known as Adventures with Rosy on socials, Bronson and Chelsea share why they decided to take the leap to live in a caravan and how they dealt with the opinions of other people who questioned their alternative lifestyle. They share...
2023-08-1840 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast049: Tramping the Dusky Track in Fiordland with Sam HarrisonAfter waiting a while for the right weather window, Sam Harrison hiked the Dusky Track in Fiordland with a few mates. The 84 km, eleven day backcountry route between Lake Hauroko and Lake Manapouri is for experienced and well equipped trampers. Sam opted to do an extra out-and-back detour into Dusky Sound, where they had a rest day, fishing, relaxing and fending off the sandflies. Based in Wellington, Sam spends his weekends tramping in the Tararua and Ruahine ranges closer to home. Sam shares advice for keen trampers that are ready to take things to the next level and get...
2023-08-1138 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast048: Eight Days in the Kaimai Mamaku Ranges with Jenifer SilvaJenifer Silva was an outdoor adventure guide in her 20s, but hadn't done much tramping in over a decade. Wanting to get back into tramping, she set off on a solo eight day walk in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, walking the length of the ranges from south to north. Over the course of the journey, Jenifer stayed in both huts and tents, faced plenty of mud, rain, overgrown track, stream crossings and fallen trees. As a self-proclaimed gear geek, she shares the tent, sleeping bag, pack and other things she took with her, what she loved and lessons...
2023-08-0444 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast047: Downhill Mountain Biking in NZ with Laura GoldsworthyLaura Goldsworthy started competitive mountain biking in her 20s, very "late" to the sport. While she always loved being outdoors, mountain biking wasn't really on her radar. Laura worked in a corporate job for 10 years so that she could save enough to quit and make her passion her full-time gig. She opens up about the highs and lows of downhill mountain biking - from competing alongside some of her heroes to painful injuries. Laura shares tips and advice for beginners, the best trails in Aotearoa, and some of her future aspirations. This episode is packed with stories and advice...
2023-07-2838 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast046: Routefinding and Bivvying on Mount Wakefield with Jinal GovindOff the beaten track in Aoraki National Park is Mount Wakefield, between Hooker Valley and Tasman Valley. Jinal Govind shares his experience tackling the unmarked track with a bunch of mates, navigating the challenging terrain, routefinding with TopoMaps, and spending the night in bivvys under the stars. We talk about Jinal's outdoor adventures, stepping outside his comfort zone and overcoming fear. Self-employed as a wedding photographer, Jinal sometimes finds it difficult to find a balance between work and play, but he is always grateful for moments in nature and sharing those with like-minded people. He also co-hosts adventure photography...
2023-07-2138 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast045: The Underwater World and Scuba Diving with Annika AndresenOften found underwater, Annika Andresen is a passionate scuba diver, whose love for the ocean began as a child, spending every summer living on a 30 ft yacht and sailing around New Zealand. During university, she started off working as a deck hand on a boat, and working in Kelly Tarltons during winter. She now works with leading scientists on ocean research and is program manager for expeditions around the globe. In this episode we talk about all the best places to dive in Aotearoa, including the Poor Knights Islands, White Island, Milford Sound and the Kermadec Islands. Annika shares about...
2023-07-1442 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast044: A Spontaneous Solo Road Trip in a Station Wagon with Morgan HealeyMorgan Healey always wanted to do a vanlife trip, but didn't have a van and found that holding her back. Then she was inspired when she saw someone else do a road trip out of their station wagon and booked ferry tickets that same night. It was her first time driving on her own, her first visit to the south island and her first solo trip. Morgan's adventure had it's fair share of mishaps, and she shares all the hilarious stories and moments. Since then, she found herself booking another spontaneous ferry and moving her whole life, including her...
2023-07-0739 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast043: Thru-hiking the Te Araroa Trail with ZoeThe Te Araroa Trail stretches from Cape Reinga to Bluff and each summer, enthusiastic hikers like Zoe take on the thru-hiking challenge. She walked 3,026 km over 138 days and shares her favourite moments and the challenges she faced. As a kiwi-born, returning to Aotearoa from a stint overseas, Zoe loved connecting with people along the way and rediscovering what makes New Zealand so special. We talk about the logistics of planning a hike like this, the best things to pack and where to stay. One of her lessons was the value of time, Zoe has never been as present as...
2023-06-3037 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast042: From Corporate Hustle to Outdoor Social Enterprise with Robert BruceRobert Bruce founded Got to Get Out, a social enterprise adventure group based out of Auckland. After being made redundant from his own company, he had an epiphany while hiking in Nepal and realised the importance of the outdoors for social and mental wellbeing. We talk about the shift from corporate hustle to running over 800 events, including hiking, rock climbing, skiing, canyoning, biking and running. Rob has been on almost every event, serving over 14,000 attendees in the last eight years of Got to Get Out. He shares some of the growing pains and challenges experienced, what's coming up next...
2023-06-2350 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast041: Growing Up in the Bush and Antarctica Expeditions with Chris LongChris Long had a unique upbringing, living remotely on the West Coast of the South Island, a two day walk from the nearest road. Chris shares the best parts of his childhood, learning to live off the land, fishing and hunting everyday, and the unique perspective it's given him about the importance of looking after the planet. He shares about the challenges of moving from Gorge River to Wānaka for high school, as someone who "wasn't used to socialising." Chris's love for the outdoors and sense of adventure has continued into his adult years and shaped his career. W...
2023-06-1642 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast040: Surfing and Skydiving in NZ with Cody and Callie ChaseCody and Callie Chase met surfing and adventure in the outdoors has continued to be a constant in their lives, with Callie continuing to surf up to full term pregnancy. With a love for being in nature, Cody and Callie enjoy rock climbing, surfing, rock climbing, skydiving, wind foiling, snowboarding and sailing. Callie shares tips for beginners wanting to learn to surf, including breathwork, strength and learning to read the water. Cody shares his journey to becoming a certified skydiver and about slowing down time when you're in freefall. With a baby on the way, the Chases are eager...
2023-06-0938 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast039: Angelus Hut and Tramping Guiding with Dylan ArthurDylan Arthur's passion for the outdoors started on the Tongariro Northern Circuit, with borrowed gear and challenges that made his first multi-day journey memorable. Now he spends his summer guiding in the North Island - from Tongariro to Te Uruwera to Aotea. We swap stories on hiking to Angelus Hut in the Nelson Lakes National Park - the incredible views from Robert Ridge, the stunning photography opportunities and some of the challenges of the exposed terrain. Dylan shares stories where he's pushed his body to its limits and he would love to tackle Angelus Hut again in winter, as...
2023-06-0233 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast038: Drone Photography and Unique Rotorua Landscapes with Petra LearyHooked from her first flight, drone photographer Petra Leary shares her love for the art form. Her breathtaking compositions capture the symmetry and patterns of natural and urban landscapes. She talks about a recent trip to Rotorua, where she captured the unique geothermal textures and colours of mudpools and steamy lakes. Petra also shares advice for aspiring drone photographers and details the different rules, licenses and permits needed to fly in New Zealand.
For quick and easy meals for all your outdoor adventures, use the code ABIGAIL for free shipping on your next Back...
2023-05-2633 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast037: Camping at Earnslaw Burn and Gertrude Saddle with Lauren MurrayLauren Murray grew up as a beach girl on Waiheke Island and now finds herself calling the mountains in Queenstown home. She shares about her first solo adventure in the mountains, to Earnslaw Burn and how underprepared she was. Another favourite adventure was to Gertrude Saddle, watching the sun set over the incredible Fiordland landscape and waking up amongst the giant mountains. Lauren talks about the way nature can humble you and help put things into perspective. As a photographer, she's drawn to the beauty of the landscapes and challenged to capture the scale of the vast scenes.
2023-05-1934 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast036: The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip with Dane and StaceyWhen the pandemic closed New Zealand's borders, kiwi travel vloggers Dane and Stacey hired the largest campervan possible (a six berth) and travelled from Auckland to Queenstown. In this episode, they share all the spots they visited, from Rotorua and Taranaki to Franz Josef, Ōamaru and Bluff - and almost everything in between. Although they ran out of gas, almost got stuck under a bridge and faced windy gales, they didn't want to say goodbye to their campervan at the end of five weeks on the road. Dane and Stacey also share their journey to becoming travel vloggers, the t...
2023-05-1251 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast035: Summitting Mt Earnslaw and Mountaineering for Beginners with WiktoriaBetween hospital shifts, Dr Wiktoria and her partner filled their weekends with adventures around Southland. Her first alpining experience was a guided mountaineering tour at Single Cone, where their love for snowy peaks first began. One of her most memorable trips was summitting Pikirakatahi, Mount Earnslaw - a five day adventure starting in Rees Valley, where they only met one other person. Her advice to anyone that wants to start mountaineering is to join the NZ Alpine Club and join in on organised trips. Wiktoria also shares about how recent adventures have changed since having a baby and the...
2023-05-0539 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast034: NZ's Most Popular Walk - The Milford TrackYour host Abigail Hannah shares all the details on her most recent Great Walk adventure - a last minute trip to hike the Milford Track. She details what to expect on each day of the track and valuable advice for the trip. Abigail's favourite moment was catching sunrise at Mackinnon Pass and having four kea come to say good morning. The trip was not without it's challenges and Abigail shares the physical and mental obstacles that she overcame.
Thank you to Jetstar for sponsoring this episode. The reason I love Jetstar is because you...
2023-04-2821 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast029: The Red Canoe at Tasman Glacier with Guy and AlishaGuy and Alisha first met on a photo mission out at Piha. Fast-forward a couple of years and they got married, moved to Christchurch and continued to adventure together. Guy had a bucketlist photo that he wanted to capture at Tasman Glacier, so the pair bought an old canoe and gave it lots of love. They didn't even know if it would float when they took it out to Aoraki Mount Cook to get the shot. Alisha has overcome numerous health issues that stopped her from getting outdoors, but she says, "don't be afraid to get uncomfortable". Make sure...
2023-03-2432 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast028: Mueller Hut and Hiking as a Family with Jen ParkesJen Parkes is a mother of three and says, "I was a city girl!" Yet now she finds herself on hikes with her family in New Zealand's beautiful backcountry - and is absolutely loving it. One of the places that is most special for her kids is Mueller Hut in Aoraki National Park. Jen shares about her visits to the red hut along with tips for hiking with your kids, keeping them occupied and entertained for longer periods of time and how to find hikes that they will actually enjoy. Jen enjoys sharing all this valuable info on her...
2023-03-1743 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast027: Experiencing the Night Sky and Astrophotography with Larryn RaeMany of us look up at the night sky with childlike wonder. Larryn Rae has taken this fascination and built a career in astrophotography. From growing up in Taranaki and pulling mattresses out of huts to look up the night sky, he has won multiple awards for his landscape and astro photography work. He shares his journey and tips to experience and capture the night sky - whether you're chasing your first aurora in Aotearoa, or you want to photograph the Milky Way.
Thank you so much for tuning in and coming along for...
2023-03-1030 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast026: Abel Tasman National Park and Adventure Tourism with Kyle MulinderKyle Mulinder moved to Abel Tasman 20 years ago for a "boring" sea kayaking job - and never left. Better known by his Instagram handle @barekiwi, I talk to Kyle about his career in tourism and photography and he shares wisdom from decades of guiding in New Zealand's smallest national park. If you haven't been to Abel Tasman yet, this episode is filled with tips to ensure you have an epic experience - whether you're walking, kayaking or on a water taxi. With so much to do at the top of the north, you don't want to skip over the...
2023-03-0346 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastBONUS: 2022 WrappedAbigail Hannah reflects on the first year of the Aotearoa Adventures Podcast, the epic journey it has been and what's to come in 2023. Tune in for a review of the year and some exciting news.
Do you have an epic story to share with the world? I bet you do! Send me a DM or email and I can't wait to hear it.
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...
2022-12-0219 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast025: Sailing, Racing and the Best of the Hauraki with Stephanie HadenHaving almost drowned twice as a child, no one thought Stephanie would grow up to love the ocean. Now she spends all her time outside of work sailing, scuba diving or having adventures with the community she's found through those activities. Stephanie Haden shares stories from racing, where they had to do repairs mid-race behind Whakaari, White Island. She currently sails on a 114 year old classic yacht with an all female crew. Steph shares her experiences in a male domainated sport and what she envisions the future will be like for women in sailing.
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2022-11-2537 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast024: A Lifetime of Adventure and a Few Close Calls with Russell JenningsRussell's adventures started during school, when he would skip class to explore the local forest and bush. Now retired, he's walked and cycled most of the North Island and hiked 317 km across the width of the North Island in 14 days - from Napier to Taranaki. He's cycled around Lake Taupō over 14 times, including a 640 km endurance race. He cycled 6600 km across Europe over 7 weeks and still has more adventures on his bucketlist. Russell shares some of his mishaps and favourite adventures, including sharing his love of the outdoors with his children. He believes that spending time in nature can h...
2022-11-1832 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast023: Hiking while Pregnant and Gillespie Pass with AliceAfter being away for ten years, Alice recently moved back to the deep south, an hour from the farm she grew up on. She loves how close she's located to prime hiking locations - Fiordland, Stewart Island, the Catlins, and even Mt Aspiring. We chat about her experience hiking during pregnancy and Alice shares her advice, "unless your doctor or midwife have told you not to, don't listen to random people saying you shouldn't be hiking, you know your body best." Alice also shares about her multi-day trip hiking Gillespie Pass and Crucible Lake which ended with a jet...
2022-11-1137 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast022: Living, Working and Travelling in NZ as an Expat with Justine JehannoJustine Jehanno grew up in the French countryside and when she met her partner, Ben, their passion to see the world sparked their travels. They called Aotearoa home for three years, living and working in Auckland with Ben's skilled migrant work visa and Justine's partnership visa. Justine shares advice from her first hand experience on the visa process, how to find a job, where to find a house and why a campervan leads to the best adventures. She also shares some of the challenges they endured, like losing her tourism job during the pandemic and being apart from family...
2022-11-0437 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast021: Wellington Gems and Travelling Locally with Tilleigh UltraHailing from Upper Hutt, Tilleigh Ultra shares how her childhood was filled with local trips in and around the North Island. As she got older, she grew an appreciation for travelling locally and exploring regions closer to home. From hiking for the Duke of Edinburgh Award to organising a road trip with high school friends, Tilleigh loves the freedom, flexibility and affordability that local trips give you. She shares some of her favourite must-do's and hidden gems in the Wellington region - from Kapiti to Upper Hutt and the Wairarapa. Tilleigh shares advice for exploring more of your local...
2022-10-2838 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast020: Travelling the South Island with Dogs with Courtney MellowWhile some people find that they can't travel because they have to look after their pets, Courtney Mellow has a better idea - take your furbabies on your adventures. Courney is a dog-mum to two gorgeous Bernese Mountain Dogs, Koda and Kash, and has taken them on multiple roadtrips in the North and South Islands. Her advice to anyone who wants to travel with pets is to start them young and to do your research when planning out your trip! She shares advice on how to find suitable accommodation, pet-friendly activities and details their most recent Wānaka trip t...
2022-10-2136 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast019: Swimming the Length of the Clutha River with Rob HutchingsMeet Rob Hutchings, a chiropractor during the week and a triathlete and marathon swimmer on the weekends. Rob faced hardship in his childhood with an abusive and alcoholic father and endurance sports became his sanctuary. We dive into the details of one of his most epic multi-day adventures as the first person to swim the Clutha River - 256 kilometers down New Zealand's biggest, most powerful and second longest river, from Lake Wānaka to the Pacific Ocean. He's now swum many of the South Island's lakes and rivers - Milford Sound, Lake Te Anau, Lake Tekapō, Waiau River, the Bu...
2022-10-1459 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast018: Slow Travel and Mental Wellbeing with Pamela EdmondsonPamela Edmondson used slow travel as a tool to get out of a panic disorder. She says, "slow travel found me." Pamela has lived a turbulent life, growing up in Lebanon, emigrating to the USA, and then booking a one-way ticket to Aotearoa. We exchange stories on what it's like to travel with anxiety and depression, because, "no matter where you go, there you are." Pamela shares how slow travel allows us to access the present moment, practice gratitude and reconnect with nature, others and ourselves. She shares helpful and practical tips for your slow travel journey, to step...
2022-10-0742 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast017: Enchaining New Zealand's 3000m Peaks with Alastair and HamishAlastair McDowell and Hamish Fleming set out to do something no one had done before. Mountaineers often summit New Zealand's 3000m peaks over their entire alpine career, but this pair climbed all 24 peaks in just 31 days. They even surprised themselves when they completed this feat - everyone said it would be impossible. Alastair and Hamish share advice for anyone that wants to start alpine climbing - join the university clubs, gain experience, find a mentor and get fit! We talk about the challenges of the human powered expedition and the moments that they cherished the most.
Thank...
2022-09-3047 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast016: Exploring the Nelson Lakes National Park with Mel WhiteLiving in Marlborough, Mel White has the Nelson Lakes National Park on her doorstep. She shares about where her sense of adventure began - from annual holidays in the Mackenzie Region, to hiking Everest Base Camp and ticking off multiple hikes at her local Nelson Lakes National Park, including Angelus Hut and Parachute Rocks. Mel shares tips for solo hiking, photography, and some of her learnings along the way.
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2022-09-2339 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast015: Hiking Old Ghost Road as a Family with Sonia BarrishWith an 11 week old baby and a 4 year old, Sonia and her husband walked Aotearoa's longest continuous track - the 85 km long Old Ghost Road. Sonia got into geocaching and hiking while in uni, and had her wedding at a DOC hut. She talks about all five days of the Old Ghost Road trail, with details on logistics, nappies, tantrums, how to carry kids, what to pack, how to stay dry when it rains, and how to keep a 4 year old entertained on the track! Sonia goes into detail and makes it feel like you’re right there walking wi...
2022-09-1657 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast014: Snowsports in Aotearoa with Olympian Anja BarughAnja Barugh is a half-pipe skiier who competed for Team New Zealand in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. She shares the journey from her first time on skiis at six years old, to moving to Wānaka, competing around the globe and qualifying for the Olympics. Anja talks about some of her adventures and mishaps along the way and what's coming up next for her. Anja also shares her advice for experienced skiiers and snowboarders that want to spend a season in Aotearoa, as well as helpful tips and tricks for newbies that want to give snowsports a go!
2022-09-0942 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast013: Bikepacking from Cape Reinga to Bluff with Greg and LaurenMeet Greg and Lauren Cayford, the father-daughter duo that cycled 3,000 km from Cape Reinga to Bluff in 22 days. Following her battle with cancer a few years earlier, this was a daunting challenge for Lauren, and a test of her strength, fitness and endurance. The Tour Aotearoa is a bikepacking trip along some of NZ's finest cycling trails, including the Timber Trail, Waikato River Trail, Remutaka Rail Trail and West Coast Wilderness Trail. Spending an average of 8 hours a day on their bikes, Greg and Lauren soon had some unwanted hitch-hikers - Doyle the Boil and Cybil the Saddle Sore. They...
2022-08-1949 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast012: Travelling with Pets in New Zealand with TeganShe visited over 60 countries before she visited the South Island, but now Tegan is excited to call Aotearoa home and makes the most travelling on the weekends, with her cat Gatsby Le Chat and her dog Senna in tow. A Northland girl, Tegan shares all her best advice for anyone that wants to travel with their pets - the questions to ask your accommodation host, what to pack, pet-friendly activity ideas, the best region to start (spoiler alert, it's Taupō) - she shares it all. This episode is packed with tips, tricks and inspiration to encourage you to take y...
2022-08-1243 min
Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast001: Helicopter over Aoraki with Billy NunweekNo one is quite sure if he’s an aerial or landscape photographer, but we know he’s great with a camera. We first met on the shores of Lake Pukaki, under Mt Cook, but you’ll hear more of that story in just a minute. It just so happens that Aoraki Mt Cook is one of Billy’s favourite places on earth and today he’s sharing with me the stories behind the phenomenal doors-off helicopter flights he’s had high up in the Southern Alps. This one is a goodie, I know you’ll love it.
Thank you so...
2022-06-0348 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast000: Pilot: Meet your host, Abigail HannahFrom growing up in India, to slowly falling in love with Aotearoa, Abigail discovered a new love and passion for travel. Tune into the very first episode where she holds nothing back, sharing childhood travel experiences, her favourite NZ destinations and all the things in between!
In this episode, you'll hear all about:
The 'why' behind starting a travel podcast
Treasured experiences from growing up in India
A love story with her high school sweetheart
The challenges of transitioning back to New Zealand
How her love for Aotearoa grew
Study, full-time work and how to fit...
2022-06-0336 minAotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel PodcastWelcome to the Aotearoa Adventures Podcast!Welcome to Aotearoa Adventures, with your host, Abigail Hannah, the podcast for everything you need to know to travel New Zealand. I talk to photographers, vanlifers, moms, students, and everyday kiwis, to hear their inspiring stories from past adventures and to share helpful tips and tricks for your travels. Whether you're visiting Aoteaora for the first time and live on the road or you work a 9-5 and have lived in New Zealand your whole life, you're guaranteed to learn something to plan your next getaway and get a new excitement to explore more of this beautiful country I...
2022-05-0902 min