Hike Archives -

November 23, 2022

shop local- Under $50 gifts for the outdoor lover

When it comes to gifting especially finding Christmas gifts for the outdoor lover, it can become a pretty daunting task. I feel like once we reach our late twenties, we all kind of have everything. Or what we want has such a huge price tag it's not really gift-worthy anyways. It can be hard to find a gift for the outdoor lover for a few reasons. What I find hard is finding a gift that's personal or practical, unique, at a reasonable price, and ideally somewhat local. Those are 4 things that can be quite difficult to tick off. I love Christmas and I love[...]

November 2, 2022

All you need to know hiking Little Mt Peel in Canterbury

To start off, hiking Little Mt Peel is not so little. What's in a name right? However, the challenge up the Tara Haoa Range is so worth the views at the top. It wouldn't be my choice for a first hike in the area but if you're looking to tackle a track and take your hiking to the next level, Little Mt Peel is certainly it. Little Mt Peel is located in Peel Forest, not too far from Geraldine and inland from Timaru. This is one of the most popular day hikes in the area, especially among locals. The area is lush, green and full of birdsong. It's a nature lo[...]

May 23, 2022

Top benefits of a hiking logbook plus free trail tracker

Have you ever thought of writing your past hikes down in a hiking logbook or making your own hiking journal? Maybe you've thought about it but weren't quite sure if it was for you. Hiking logbooks or hiking journals are much more than just recording past adventures and can help make the most of your experiences. You can start with a blank notebook. That would work just fine, but I know for many that can be a little intimidating and hard to keep up with. Instead, you can get a logbook like mine that has prompts already in there to guide your entry. Now i[...]

May 4, 2022

An epic full guide to dog friendly hikes in canterbury

Since the moment I moved to New Zealand it has amazed me how many people get out hiking. Whether it’s a bush walk, half day up a mountain or what surprised me most, setting off for a multi-day trek it’s a very popular pastime of Kiwis. Perhaps now, because I’m immersed in the hiking world it feels like everybody and their dog get their boots on. Maybe not every dog though because looking around there aren't quite as many dog friendly hikes not just in Canterbury but the country as a whole. There are however reasons for this. First a[...]

April 22, 2022

Hiking the Lake Marian track- all you need to know!

Besides the great walks in Fiordland, undoubtedly, Lake Marian is the most popular day hike in the park. The stunning alpine turquoise waters of Lake Marian is something out of a storybook with mountains towering all around. On a smaller scale, if you can believe it, it reminded Chris and I of my favourite lake, Moraine Lake in Alberta, Canada. It was the best reminder of just how lucky we are to be able to explore these incredible sights of mother nature. The uphill climb through rocky and rooted paths definitely makes it all worth it. It's not an easy t[...]

March 9, 2022

11 amazing hiking goals to smash out in 2022

With a new year here, it of course means there are new hiking goals to smash out! The only hiking goal I made at the beginning of 2021 was to do a great walk. Abel Tasman was the one of choice which did not happen. Any other goals are just added to the list in my head thinking, I'd love to do this track or stay at this hut. 2021 no doubt has sparked something inside a lot of us which is, life is short, do what you love. Get out there, make things happen. Might be a bit deep for the realm of hiking but how many of us have said for years that we've wanted to[...]

January 25, 2021

7 short waterfall tracks in Canterbury, New Zealand

The beauty of hiking in Canterbury is that there is a big variety of trails to explore. There are plenty of tall mountains to climb up but hidden throughout are also easier waterfall tracks. I wouldn't say Canterbury is home to the most amazing waterfalls like the Catlins for example or some of those in the North Island but it's nice switching things up on the trail. This post explores seven short waterfall tracks in Canterbury. I've included as much information as I could for each track but be sure to check the Department of Conservation's website to keep[...]

September 7, 2020

Easy hiking snack ideas plus free recipe book!

Whether you're heading out for a half day hike, something a little longer or an overnighter you'll want to make sure you've packed some yummy hiking snacks to keep you energized. We burn a lot more calories trekking up a mountain so we want to make sure our bodies are getting enough nutrition so we don't collapse trying to get there. It can be hard to know what to pack that's not too heavy, that tastes good and that doesn't leave you feeling hungry or tired. I've put together a list of some ideas of what snacks to take hiking. I've also made a handy hiking s[...]

September 1, 2020

Hiking for beginners- Essential tips for your best hike!

Hiking is such a great hobby that will improve both your physical and mental health It's a hobby you can take at your own pace. and best of all gets you outdoors with nature. Like anything, there are a few things you need to know and be educated on before you start. This is to help stay safe because there are of course risks with climbing up mountains and it's so that you can keep having the best experiences. Many of these tips really encompass New Zealand's Mountain Safety Council's Outdoor Safety code. This is a great code to be familiar with as it break[...]

August 25, 2020

10 epic Beginner hikes in Canterbury, New Zealand

I remember when I first started hiking or tramping as they call it here in New Zealand, I was always searching for easy tracks and beginner hikes in Canterbury. I was not at all ready for anything too steep or too long and just wanted to ease into the new hobby. I've put together a list of 10 epic beginner hikes in Canterbury. I'm sure there are more but these are ones I have hiked myself. These tracks lead to amazing views and are a great place to start if you're wanting to get into hiking or are looking for an easier track to hike. These trails are suitab[...]