DISCOVERING WELLINGTON’S UNUSUAL ROCKS & SEALS

The Red Rocks walk is much more of a walk than a hike with minimal elevation change (essentially zero) and the in and out track is suitable for all. The one exception would be on a day with a strong southerly blowing, you’ll be battling to stay upright. This...

MACPAC INFLATATBLE PILLOW REVIEW: WHY IS IT SO POPULAR?

2025 UPDATE: The pillow below has been discontinued, with the Macpac ThermAir Compact Pillow the replacement. I also have this pillow and can recommend it a lot for camping/overnight hut trips. Buy it in New Zealand or in Australia. *If you don’t see the product on...

18 TE ARAROA BOOKS | A COMPLETE LIST

I’ve read a few Te Araroa books, and I do enjoy them. What I haven’t been able to find is a complete list of all the Te Araroa memoirs/diaries/guides…whatever you want to call them…in one place. So here it is. All 18, in English, that I could...

MACPAC SLEEPING BAGS: A 2025 BUYING GUIDE

Buying a new sleeping bag for New Zealand can be overwhelming. By the time you factor in price, brand, and weight, there’s already so much information before diving into the finer details. While there are lots of sleeping bag brands to consider, this post is...

GUNSIGHT PASS HIKE (TEMPLE VALLEY/LAKE OHAU)

Gunsight Pass (Canterbury) is not for the faint-hearted, with a steep climb and descent of a small pass with peaks towering either side. It goes good though, and the feeling of accomplishment afterward can’t be beat. This post will give you all the details you...