Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast

Jono Hitchcox shares about a 5 day Overlanding journey in the Old Man Range with a community of 4WD enthusiats. Growing up in Timaru, Jono's love for the outdoors started with tramping and road trips as a family. When he got his driver's license, he started to get off road more and a love for 4WD was born. In 2018, Jono started a YouTube channel, Lost Sheep Adventures, to help others learn more about overlanding in New Zealand. He hosted their first annual community trip in 2022 to the Old Man Range and faced challenges in the snow and changing weather conditions before ultimately having to bail before the end. Jono shares advice for beginners that want to explore New Zealand in a 4WD vehicle and tips for finding suitable tracks.

Aimee Jules is based out of Nelson and has recently started canyoning. As a beginner, she shares about what canyoning is, how to get started and what gear you need. Aimee shares about a five day canyoning trip with her partner in the Abel Tasman, where they kayaked between campsites and canyons. At one location, the duo had to make a hard call to bail on the canyon, after Aimee was feeling emotionally and physically exhausted and terrified. She talks about other awesome locations around NZ for canyoning. As a photographer and filmmaker, Aimee Jules loves to document her own and other people's epic adventures.

Barb and Reg are well-travelled, having been to every continent between them. Host Abigail talks to her in-laws about their successful three week road trip around the South Island, where the challenges were few. Barb and Reg share their favourite experiences, from Doubtful Sound to a small pounamu store. They reflect on what makes New Zealand a special destination compared to other parts of the world - it is peaceful and quiet. Their advice to other people that want to visit is to allow as much time as possible, to travel in a campervan, and to let yourself slow down and enjoy the experience.

While running the Routeburn Track, Sarah Heffron had a serious accident - and in a moment, it changed her entire life. Sarah grew up in Ireland with a strong connection to the Atlantic Ocean. When she moved to New Zealand, she discovered her love for running, the backcountry and staying in huts. While trail running the Routeburn Track, Sarah fell and had a major concussion. In shock, she didn't call for help, but finished the trail and was misdiagnosed by the medical system. Sarah shares about the slow road to recovery that has taken over 5 years. She says she wouldn't change a thing, she shares the lessons she's learnt throughout recovery. Nature continues to bring Sarah joy and inspiration and her advice is to practice gratitude every day.