Aotearoa Adventures

Abigail Hannah

Aotearoa Adventures is the podcast for everything you need to know about travelling in New Zealand.

  • 32 minutes 9 seconds
    098: Beating Cancer Twice and Exploring Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain with Ellena Butcher

    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/

    26 July 2024, 12:00 am
  • 34 minutes 32 seconds
    097: Accidents and Beauty Found in Solo Hiking Whirinaki Conservation Park with Kurt Fenton

    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/

    19 July 2024, 12:00 am
  • 37 minutes 37 seconds
    096: Camping and Hiking in Northland as a Family with Waikato Mum Anna O'Brien

    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/

    12 July 2024, 12:00 am
  • 33 minutes 56 seconds
    095: Exploring the South Island for the First Time as a Kiwi on a 7 Day Road Trip with Hamish McColl

    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/

    5 July 2024, 12:00 am
  • 38 minutes 48 seconds
    094: Climbing Mt Maunganui 38 Times in 14 Days and Living a Nomadic Lifestyle with Bri O'Brien

    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/

    28 June 2024, 12:00 am
  • 42 minutes 40 seconds
    093: A Team Effort to Sea Kayak the North Island of New Zealand with Paddle for Purpose

    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/

    21 June 2024, 12:00 am
  • 35 minutes 7 seconds
    092: A Passion for Camping, Community and Knowledge Sharing with Jono Collins

    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/

    14 June 2024, 12:00 am
  • 34 minutes 56 seconds
    091: Finding Freedom in Slow Travel and Bikepacking with Nicole Koch

    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/

    7 June 2024, 12:00 am
  • 43 minutes 8 seconds
    090: A Solo Kayak Circumnavigation of New Zealand Over 5800km with Red Paterson

    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/

    31 May 2024, 12:00 am
  • 41 minutes 45 seconds
    089: Skiing to the South Pole on a 50 Day Antarctic Expedition with Mike Dawson

    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/

    24 May 2024, 12:00 am
  • 37 minutes 19 seconds
    088: Waterfalls, Beaches, Geothermal Wonders and Other Hidden Gems in the North Island with Barbie Sharma

    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/

    17 May 2024, 12:00 am
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