Brando Yelavich AKA Wild Boy has spent the past decade chasing knowledge of the world and of himself through epic expeditions. He has walked the coastline of New Zealand, skied across Greenland, sea kayaked around Vancouver Island and cycled across Australia. He shares about his Solo Expedition on Rakiura Stewart Island to circumnavigate its rugged coastline. Brando shares what it was like to navigate wind–swept scrub, survive on minimal food, and celebrate his birthday alone. He talks about the turning point when he abandoned his original plan, chose curiosity over ego, and began exploring the island’s waterfalls, granite cliffs and subantarctic–like beaches. Brando reflects on ADHD, storytelling and the importance of doing adventures for the right reasons.
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
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 Brando on Instagram: instagram.com/brandoyelavichexplorer/
Watch Wild Boy (limited time): docedge.nz/events/wildboy/
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
Dom Huxley made a name for himself after climbing Aoraki Mt Cook as a teenager. The outdoors became a safe haven for Dom early in his life and since then, he's climbed Mt Aspiring more than a dozen times and spent seasons mountaineering in Nepal. Dom shares about a recent Mt Aspiring trip and how he took a friend up for their first mountain summit. They camped under rock bivvys and had a 15 hour day with 1,200m of altitude gain. Dom shares about some of the technical parts of alpining - from altitude sickness in Nepal, to gear that's important to have and communities for beginners to learn skills. He reflects on his shifting perspective of the mountains and says, "the biggest thing I'd tell people is just to go and look at a mountain. Not everything has to be climbed. Not everything has to be summited."
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
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 Dom on Instagram: instagram.com/rum_doodle/
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
Laura Kuggeleijn discovered spearfishing while living in the middle of Auckland - with her first catch at Ti Point. Laura shares about learning to hold her breath, navigating seasickness, and slowly shifting her fear of sharks into awe. Laura shares stories of diving off Great Barrier Island to encountering a great white shark up close at Stewart Island Nationals. She talks about how the ocean has shaped her friendships, built resilience, and helped her reconnect with her adventurous self.
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
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 Laura on Instagram: instagram.com/spearotual_mermaid/
Freediving Community: Salt Aotearoa
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
Chris Lierheimer moved to NZ from Colorado and quickly fell in love with the DOC hut system - and made a spreadsheet to rank them all. He shares about tramping to Barker Hut, a remote and challenging alpine hut near Arthur’s Pass. After misreading the route and starting late, the hike pushed them to their limits. Chris shares lessons from that trip and why he believes the backcountry in New Zealand holds a kind of magic. He shares about grief, creativity and joy and tips for anyone that wants to start tramping.
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
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 Chris on Instagram: instagram.com/chrislierheimer/
Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@ChrisLierheimer
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
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
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
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
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
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/
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
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/
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.
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/
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
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 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/
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
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/
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
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/
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
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/
Host Abigail Hannah speaks with her husband Isaac about their dream to live on the road full-time in a van. Their journey began in 2020, with a $2,800 Mitsubishi van and they have now completed their $60k home-on-wheels build. Isaac shares the process of self-containment regulations and how to build a basic setup with simple tools. They discuss their favourite features of each van and the lessons learnt through each design process. Abigail breaks down cost expenses for their current dream van and the products that have truly taken this build to the next level. They share their excitement to live off-grid, travel New Zealand slowly and explore in new ways.
This episode is brought to you by Dometic, the brand I’ve personally chosen for my own van build and off-grid adventures. Shop online now: www.dometic.com
Follow Dometic on Instagram: instagram.com/dometic
Follow Enerdrive on Instagram: instagram.com/enerdrive_australia/
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 :)
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
The Hump Ridge Track is New Zealand's newest Great Walk, and Helen Griffiths was pushed to her limits as she experiences the best and worst day of her life on the trail. Helen is a photographer, originally from the UK, and found herself stuck in New Zealand during the Covid pandemic. She has a love for slow travel and exploring deeply, rather than quickly. Helen shares about her experience on the Hump Ridge track, where she was challenged immensely, while also having the most incredible experience and memories. She shares her thoughts and advice around how to be mindful when you travel and the importance of connecting with the land around you.
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
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 Helen on Instagram: instagram.com/_helengriffiths/
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
Ivan Polyntcev started ultra-swimming - an elite open-water sport - less than six years ago, after moving to New Zealand. As a professional dancer, Ivan wanted a new sport to get into competitively. He started swimming in the ocean and soon he was hooked. Ivan attempted to cross the Cook Strait two years ago, but didn't even get in the water to start. He shares about the mental and physical journey to return and attempt the crossing a second time. His accomplishment makes him one of 200 people in the world that have swum the Cook Strait and it is globally infamous for its powerful tides, unpredictable currents, wildlife, and hazardous conditions. Ivan shares the lows and highs of the crossing, the logistical preparation and what might be next for him in ultra-swimming.
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
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 Ivan on Instagram: instagram.com/ivan.swims/
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
Abigail Hannah had the privilege of being interviewed on the Kiwi Yarns podcast with Brodie Kane. Listen to the full episode on all major platforms.
WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYmBtr9kk5Y
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FEtXmUxF1gbzovTpKsGHO
APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/kiwi-yarns/id1516048486
And follow Abigail on Instagram for some exciting news: instagram.com/abigailhannnah
Sophie Wakelin is a doctor, who quit her job in Wellington to spend time travelling. Over three months in the South Island, she slept out of her car and bagged 67 huts from Nelson Lakes to Rakiura Stewart Island. Sophie shares her top three favourite huts, including Mataketake Hut that required a second attempt to get to. She shares the challenges she faced while tramping solo, how to grow your confidence in the outdoors and plenty of ideas for your next South Island tramp or hut bagging mission.
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.
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 Sophie on Instagram: instagram.com/dr_sophs/
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
Please leave a review for Aotearoa Adventures on Spotify or Apple.
Find your next adventure inspo here: PODCAST EPISODE DIRECTORY
Join the broadcast channel on Instagram
Life is life-ing at the moment for host Abigail Hannah as she is in a period of transition both personally and in business. She is taking a break this week to go tramping with whānau and will be back next week with another epic guest episode.
In the meantime, go ahead and binge some previous episodes or re-listen to your favourites.
Until next time, keep adventuring!
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
Jacq Nesbit started tramping in adulthood and she shares about walking the Heaphy Track from Karamea to Collingwood. Jacq managed to find last-minute tickets on Monday to start the Great Walk on a Thursday - and be back in time for work the following Monday. She details what to expect each day on the Heaphy Track. At 85km, it is the longest Great Walk and often overlooked due to the complex logistics. Jacq shares the best options for shuttle, what to take with you in your pack, as well as her favourite moments from the trail.
Heaphy Track bookings for the 25/26 season open on 15 May 2025: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/online-bookings/
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.
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 Jacq on Instagram: instagram.com/feet.first.nz/
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
Naomi Arnold fulfilled a 20-year dream when she walked Te Araroa northbound (NOBO), from Bluff to Cape Reinga. What she expected to be a 4-5 month trail turned into 9 months as she juggled freelance work and writing a book on the trail. Her determination meant she pushed through all the physical and mental challenges, never for a moment wanting to quit, despite how tough it got. Her absolute favourite moment was the Tongariro Crossing and experiencing the forces of nature in the volcanic area. Naomi reflects on how hard the trail and physical challenges were day in and day out, and particularly the solitude she experience on the trail without meeting anyone else for weeks on end. Get her book NORTHBOUND available now.
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
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 Naomi on Instagram: instagram.com/naomijarnold/
GIVEAWAY: Email me at hello@abigailhannah.nz or send me a DM on Instagram to enter the draw and win a copy of Northbound - 3 to give away!
Read the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nz
Follow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/
Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
Join the Broadcast Channel on Instagram for the inside scoop: https://www.instagram.com/j/AbYd1Flco4Sb02UP/
