Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast

Isaac 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 shares his favourite tips for people wanting to pursue new activities in the outdoors. KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. Use the code Adventure2024 for 15% off your next online order: bit.ly/458VGEG 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 Isaac on Instagram: instagram.com/isaacjnaylor/ Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

TW: Cancer. Ellena Butcher has beat cancer - not once, but twice. In school, she hated cross country but now she has run four marathons and stays that keeping fit was key in beating cancer. Based in Cambridge, we talk about Ellena's favourite local walk in Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain. It is the world's largest pest-proof fenced forest, home to tautara, kiwi, takahē, and the only mainland population of kākāpō. An incredibly unique gem in the Waikato, Ellena shares the best walks and how to spend a day in the park. Her story is inspiring from battling cancer to conquering marathons, Ellena shares her upcoming adventures, including the Camino de Santiago and section-walking Te Araroa. KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. Use the code Adventure2024 for 15% off your next online order: bit.ly/458VGEG 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 Ellena on Instagram: instagram.com/ebutch65/ Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Kurt Fenton, a seasoned hiker from the U.S., has spent the past 25 years exploring Aotearoa, especially the North Island. He came here in 1999 to help start a church in Hastings, where he worked as a pastor and now is a counsellor. Kurt shares his unforgettable and sometimes harrowing adventures, including Te Araroa and an epic 80km solo hike in Whirinaki that left him with some challenging injuries and lessons learnt. Kurt's advice is to remember why you're out there, and not to rush it. He shares about some of the best tracks in the Whirinaki and Kaweka Forest Parks for remote North Island adventures off the beaten trail. Kurt recommends joining a club to meet other like-minded people to share your hiking adventures with. KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. Use the code Adventure2024 for 15% off your next online order: bit.ly/458VGEG 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 Kurt on Instagram: instagram.com/kurt.fenton/ Subscribe to Kurt's YouTube Channel Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Waikato 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 the outdoors. On one of these summer hikes, she crossed paths with host Abigail on the Old Ghost Road. She also tramped in the Tararua Ranges, Round the Mountain, Abel Tasman and more. KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. Use the code Adventure2024 for 15% off your next online order: bit.ly/458VGEG 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 Anna on Instagram: instagram.com/annaobnz/ Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Hamish McColl, a North Islander from Whangamata, had never ventured to the South Island until his honeymoon. In this episode, Hamish shares his week long road trip from Queenstown to Christchurch. He talks about experiencing beautiful sunrises at Lake Wakatipu to epic 4WD adventures at Tasman Glacier, all while navigating the quirks of campervan life, including a funny story when emptying the wastewater. Hamish shares advice around picking the right rental, along with key locations to visit along the route. After that adventure, Hamish was inspired to trade his $630/week home-rental for a caravan trailer and life on the road with his wife and two kids. KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. Use the code Adventure2024 for 15% off your next online order: bit.ly/458VGEG 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 Hamish on Instagram: instagram.com/unofficialphotography365/ instagram.com/unofficial_gram/ Follow Hamish on TikTok: tiktok.com/@unofficial_tiktoks/ Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Bri 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 and shares advice for anyone else wanting to live abroad. Host Abigail Hannah also shares an exciting announcement. KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. Use the code Adventure2024 for 15% off your next online order: bit.ly/458VGEG 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 Bri on Instagram: instagram.com/youngwild.bri/ Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Paddle for Purpose is a group of four mates: Cared, Connor, Kurt & Drew. The team set off from Cape Reinga with a mission to sea kayak along the East Coast of the North Island to raise money for mental health and the environment. Over the 75 day journey, the group had huge challenges - from weather to physical pain to the overwhelm of the expedition before them. They discuss their "why," how they worked together as a team, the logistics of planning a trip like this and the moments of pure bliss amongst nature. The team gets vulnerable and honest reflecting on their journey and lessons learnt. They share valuable advise that anyone can learn from, whether or not you're a kayaker! KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. Use the code Adventure2024 for 15% off your next online order: bit.ly/458VGEG 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 :) Donate to the fundraiser for NZ Mental Health Foundation and Live Ocean Follow Paddle for Purpose on Instagram: instagram.com/paddleforpurpose/ Follow the team on Instagram: Cared, Connor, Kurt & Drew Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Jono Collins spent his childhood on a Hawkes Bay orchard, where his love for the outdoors began. His passion started with building forts and climbing trees, now he shares his love of camping with others. Through a large Facebook community group, Jono has created a space for other kiwis to share tips, advice and tricks on camping - from how to find the right tent, how to manage tasks between a family and making camping and the outdoors accessible to newbies. He also shares some of his most memorable camping experiences - from his favourite lakefront campsite to a group trip where the weather was terrible. KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. Use the code Adventure2024 for 15% off your next online order: bit.ly/458VGEG 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 Jono on Instagram: instagram.com/nz_fun_adventures/followers/ Join the Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/nzfacamping Find NZ Fun Adventures website here: nzfunadventures.co.nz/ Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Growing up between Whangaparoa and Seattle gave Auckland firefighter Nicole Koch an adventurous spirit, inspiring her solo bikepacking trip from Queen Charlotte to Cromwell. On a $500 mountain bike, Nicole chased freedom and slow travel in the South Island, choosing a route of her own. Following a difficult break up, the 1200km journey gave her 14 days of biking to take time off work, a mental escape through the natural beauty of Aotearoa. Nicole shares the day-to-day challenges of a solo adventure and the experiences that kept her motivated. She also gives advice to anyone wanting to travel as a slower pace on a bike, along with her favorite bike trail suggestions in the South Island. KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. Use the code Adventure2024 for 15% off your next online order: bit.ly/458VGEG 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 Nicole on Instagram: instagram.com/nicolevkoch Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Red Paterson set off on a solo kayak circumnavigation, even after many told her it would be "impossible." Instead of listening to the naysayers, Red decided she would find out for herself whether the 5800km sea kayak journey around New Zealand was actually impossible or not. She shares about her strong determination, right from getting the idea, gaining sea kayaking skills, right until completing the journey non-stop for 432 days. Red learnt many lessons along the way and talks about taking it day-by-day. She shares advice that can be applied to any outdoor expedition and to everyday life. Last Chance: KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. This May, KEA Outdoors is offering you a unique opportunity to invest in the brand through an Equity Crowdfunding Campaign on Pledgeme. Invest from $1,000 and get a 20% Off Lifetime Discount Access: bit.ly/44m62kl 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 Red on Instagram: instagram.com/redznzjourney/ Get Red's Book: Finding Solo Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Two-time canoe slalom Olympian, Mike Dawson, spent a lot of time outdoors as a child and has a deep love for whitewater. While kayaking expeditions are within his comfort zone, Mike takes on a new challenge, journeying to the South Pole on a fifty day ski expedition inspired by Messner’s 1989 epic Antarctic crossing. We discuss the logistics of a journey in such harsh conditions, operating camera gear, pulling a "too heavy" sled, and eventually reaching the South Pole base. Mike reflects on how this experience forced him to slow down and the challenges he experienced returning to normal life. Last chance: KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. This May, KEA Outdoors is offering you a unique opportunity to invest in the brand through an Equity Crowdfunding Campaign on Pledgeme. Invest from $1,000 and get a 20% Off Lifetime Discount Access: bit.ly/44m62kl 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 Mike on Instagram: instagram.com/mrmikedawson/ Watch the documentary at the NZ Mountain Film Festival 2024 Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Barbie Sharma is multi-passionate and loves spending her weekends exploring local gems. Based in Auckland, we talk about some of the natural attractions that are often overlooked in surrounding regions. One of Barbie's most memorable trips was a birthday getaway to Waikawau Tunnel Beach, where they had the beach to themselves and saw, "the best sunset I've seen on the North Island." Barbie shares practical tips for others that work a 9-5, advice for planning where to go next and spills the secrets on some of her favourite locations, including the Forgotten Highway. During lockdown, Barbie started to share content from her past trips and soon discovered this motivated and inspired other people's travels. Now she continues to share hidden gems, upcoming events and more on Instagram to help kiwis and international visitors plan their next trip! KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. This May, KEA Outdoors is offering you a unique opportunity to invest in the brand through an Equity Crowdfunding Campaign on Pledgeme. Invest from $1,000 and get a 20% Off Lifetime Discount Access: bit.ly/44m62kl 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 Barbie on Instagram: instagram.com/barbiesharmarj/ Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Jack Laurent has travelled over 600,000 km in his Land Cruiser Prado, saying he has explored every corner of New Zealand. Based in Taranaki, his favourite places to travel are the Far North and "anywhere" in the South Island. Jack shares about a mission up the Godley Valley and Havelock Valley in the central South Island. He shares about their unique experience, likely being the first people ever to kayak across the glacial lake. Despite meticulous planning, the weather took a turn for the worst in the Havelock Valley. The crew woke up to a magical snow dump overnight, but rain made the rivers impassable and there were some difficult decision to be made. Jack is also a co-founder of Roam Vehicle Outfitters, born from the desire to share his passion for exploring this beautiful country with like-minded individuals. He shares advice for people wanting to start out and acknowledges that everyone has different needs, "money is best spent on petrol or diesel in the tank, just go out there and explore". KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. This May, KEA Outdoors is offering you a unique opportunity to invest in the brand through an Equity Crowdfunding Campaign on Pledgeme. Invest from $1,000 and get a 20% Off Lifetime Discount Access: bit.ly/44m62kl 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 Jack on Instagram: instagram.com/roamwithjack_/ Follow Roam Vehicle Outfitters on Instagram: instagram.com/roamoutfittersnz/ Follow Will on Instagram: instagram.com/will.scown/Roam Vehicle Outfitters Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Matt Butler says he was born with an innate desire to fish, although his family wasn't outdoorsy. He started fishing in local Waikato rivers at age twelve and it took Matt three years to catch his first fish. After moving to Wanaka to pursue his passion for fly-fishing, he decided to spend his 20s doing what he loved. Matt would spend a few months each year as a fly fishing guide, then travel around the world and fish for the rest of the year. In 2020, that season of life came to an abrupt halt and Matt pivoted into starting an outdoor brand, KEA Outdoors, launching off a kickstarter campaign. He shares about his business journey and the unique investment opportunity currently open to the public. KEA Outdoors is a kiwi brand on a mission to build innovative, versatile and reliable outdoor gear for the every-day adventurer. This May, KEA Outdoors is offering you a unique opportunity to invest in the brand through an Equity Crowdfunding Campaign on Pledgeme. Invest from $1,000 and get a 20% Off Lifetime Discount Access: bit.ly/44m62kl 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 Matt on Instagram: instagram.com/traveltruly/ Follow KEA Outdoors on Instagram: instagram.com/keaoutdoors/ keaoutdoors.com Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/

Katy 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 views. Katy shares advice for other people that are planning bikepacking trips or want to get started. For quick and easy meals for all your outdoor adventures, use the code ABIGAIL for free shipping on your next Back Country Cuisine order: bit.ly/44uFDAB 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 Katy on Instagram: instagram.com/kt.travelgram Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/