Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast

Abigail Hannah
  • 3.5 (2)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast

Explore New Zealand with Aotearoa Adventures - your ultimate guide to travel, adventure, and the outdoors. Each week, host Abigail Hannah brings you inspiring stories from everyday people, covering tramping, vanlife, bikepacking, road trips, and so much more. Get beginner tips and practical advice for every adventure, from camping under the stars to multi-week expeditions. Whether you’re a local, on a working holiday, or visiting, this podcast will inspire you to explore New Zealand deeper and connect with nature.

  1. 5D AGO

    145: Solo Tramping the Mangamate Loop in Whirinaki Forest Park with Sharon Evans

    Sharon Evans AKA @freewheelingkiwi shares her story of solo tramping the Mangamate Loop in Whirinaki Forest Park. After years away from multi-day hiking alone and logistics to sort, she spent three days on the trail -with stream crossings, freezing nights and full huts. But a magic moment hearing wild kiwi call in the bush made it all worth it. Sharon offers honest advice for beginners, practical gear tips, and a reminder that solo adventures and expeditions are less about strength and more about mindset. She also touches on hiking Te Araroa and staying authentic on social media. Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today Get my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary   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 Sharon on Instagram: instagram.com/freewheelingkiwi/ Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/c/FreewheelingKiwi www.freewheelingkiwi.com Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/ Get my NZ Map & Guide

    48 min

  2. JUL 3

    144: Solo Adventures, 4WDing and Being Multi-Passionate with Grace Reeves

    Grace Reeves, is a self-described “slightly hippie ADHD adventure princess slash country cottage girly” and building a life full of outdoor adventure, softness and freedom. After working in tech, she spent a year solo on the road in a campervan, eventually settling in her dream home in rural Canterbury. She shares about how four-wheel driving opened up wild places, like her solo mission to Macaulay Hut. Grace also represented NZ in competitive shooting, she now enjoys deer stalking and hunting. She reflects on being multi-passionate, managing energy and expectations and has advice on solo adventures, prioritising hobbies with intention, and letting go of the need to be the best.  Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today Get my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary   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 Grace on Instagram: instagram.com/gracelikesthis Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/ Get my NZ Map & Guide

    47 min

  3. JUN 27

    143: Intro to Rock Climbing and NZ's Best Crags with Josh Parker

    Josh Parker started climbing in 2019 and was hooked after one gym session. Since then, he’s set a goal to climb Grade 27 and now spends most weekends at the crag. Josh shares about his favourite North Island spots like Kawakawa Bay and Waipari, his first multi-pitch route, and the joy of finding a like-minded climbing community. They talk about mental challenges, gear progression, and what it’s like to start from scratch. They break down They break down climbing styles like bouldering, sport and trad; explain jargon like “beta”, “crux” and "grigri" and explore how climbing can be both physically challenging and unexpectedly healing. Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today Get my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary 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 Josh on Instagram: instagram.com/j.pharker/ Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/ Get my NZ Map & Guide

    48 min

  4. JUN 20

    142: Tramping and Exploring Aotea Great Barrier Island with Kristina Montgomerie

    Kristina Montgomerie is back to share all about Aotea, Great Barrier Island. A travel and outdoors content creator, Kristina has hiked some of the country’s toughest hikes, now balancing her love for adventure with motherhood. She talks about hiking the Aotea Track - both the two-day and three-day versions with advice on which routes to avoid, like the gorse-ridden clay Tramline Track. Kristina shares practical tips on getting to Great Barrier Island, rental car logistics, and why flights are often a better choice than the ferry. Beyond the track, she explores lesser-known gems like the Kaitoke hot springs, the hidden Mermaid Pools, and remote beaches that require a bit of gravel driving. Kristina reflects on how hiking with a toddler has shifted her priorities and how she’s building a new list of kid-friendly hikes. Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today. Get my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary 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 Kristina on Instagram: instagram.com/kristinamonts Get Kristina's Rexby Map: www.rexby.com/Kristinamonts/newzealand Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/ Join the broadcast channel (AKA insiders' club)

    46 min

  5. JUN 13

    141: Best Christchurch and Canterbury Adventures with Kids with Jasmine Trafford

    Jasmine Trafford lives in Christchurch with her two young children and shares about her journey finding outdoor adventures that work for their family. Growing up in Marahau, she loved sea kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park. Jasmine shares her favourite family-friendly spots in Christchurch and Canterbury, from Mount Vernon Valley and Sign of the Bellbird to Mount Thomas Conservation Area and the hidden Tumbledown Bay. Jasmine also shares about an overnight trip to Quail Island that had a few surprises. She has tips for new Mums, safety advice for the outdoors, and through Kiwi Kids Outdoors, Jasmine has built a community of parents exploring nature together, offering weekly meetups and nature playgroups for young families in Canterbury. Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today Get my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itineraryThank 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 Jasmine on Instagram: instagram.com/kiwi_kids_outdoors/ Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/ Join the broadcast channel (AKA insiders' club)

    42 min

  6. JUN 6

    140: Off-Track Tramping to the Unknown in Rockburn Valley with Sarah Morrison

    Sarah Morrison shares about an epic off-track tramp to Lake Unknown, Park Pass Glacier and Lake Nerine in the Rockburn Valley. Her love for tramping started in the Auckland Uni Tramping club with some questionable adventures like stream-bashing and long, late-night drives. Now based in central Otago, she gets out every weekend tramping, mountaineering or tramping. Sarah shares about a six-day adventure planned in under 24 hours to the Rockburn Valley and some untouched buckelist scenery. The rough terrain was a challenge, including a 13 hour day when the weather was about to turn. She shares tips for beginners, what to pack for a multi-day trip and the importance of upskilling and gaining confidence in the outdoors. Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today Get my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary   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 Sarah on Instagram: instagram.com/sarah.kmorrison/ Follow Sarah on TikTok: tiktok.com/@adventuregirlnz Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/ Join the broadcast channel (AKA insiders' club)

    47 min

  7. MAY 30

    139: Slow Travel in an EV and Catlins, Dunedin and Oamaru with Mature Flâneur Tim Ward

    Canadian Tim Ward retired early when Covid-19 disrupted his business and found a love for slow travel, as a self-proclaimed Mature Flâneur. Finally finding an excuse to visit New Zealand, he visited with his wife and they maxed out their tourist visa, staying for three months and exploring as much of the country as possible. Tim talks about his favourite experiences in the Catlins, Dunedin and Oamaru, including where to see penguins, waterfalls, unique architecture, quirky steampunk culture and even ghost stories. Tim shares his tips for travelling in an EV as well as his impressions of New Zealand as an outsider and how it compares to slow travel in Europe. Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today Get my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary  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 Tim on Medium: https://medium.com/mature-flâneur Buy his book: Mature Flaneur in New Zealand: Slow Travels in the Land of the Kiwi Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/ Join the broadcast channel (AKA insiders' club)

    52 min

  8. MAY 23

    138: An Obsession with the Mountains of Tongariro National Park with Hazel Phillips

    Hazel Phillips shares her deep love for Tongariro National Park and the wild stories behind her new book Fire and Ice. Living in Ohakune, Hazel has spent years exploring Ruapehu and Tongariro, uncovering hidden huts, old memorials, and the impacts of receding glaciers. She talks about Ruapehu Crater lake’s surprising tourism past, the spiritual significance of Ngāuruhoe, and why intent matters when we explore sacred places. Hazel shares her Mallowpuff altitude test, favourite swimming holes, and tips on how to find off-track adventures using a topo map. This episode is full of practical advice for exploring the park for newbies and seasoned trampers. Discover the best of New Zealand with my NZ Map & Guide, featuring 100+ incredible locations for your next adventure. Use PODCAST10 at checkout for 10% off and start planning your dream trip today Get my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary 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 Hazel on Instagram: instagram.com/hazelphilli/ Get her book: Fire and Ice: Secrets, histories, treasures and mysteries of Tongariro National Park Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/ Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/ Join the broadcast channel (AKA insiders' club)

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Explore New Zealand with Aotearoa Adventures - your ultimate guide to travel, adventure, and the outdoors. Each week, host Abigail Hannah brings you inspiring stories from everyday people, covering tramping, vanlife, bikepacking, road trips, and so much more. Get beginner tips and practical advice for every adventure, from camping under the stars to multi-week expeditions. Whether you’re a local, on a working holiday, or visiting, this podcast will inspire you to explore New Zealand deeper and connect with nature.

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