When it comes to hiking, food isn’t just about satisfying hunger — it’s about fueling your body for the effort ahead. Whether you’re heading out for a gentle 10 km stroll around a lake or a steep, rocky climb that takes most of the day, your food choices can make the difference between finishing strong or feeling flat halfway through.

The half-day hike to Baikie Hut in the Ruataniwha Conservation Park, near Lake Pukaki, packs in plenty of variety.

2025 will always be the year that changed me. A year marked by fear and uncertainty, but also resilience, mountains, and a newfound determination to keep moving forward — one track, one hut, one step at a time.

After a long day on the trail, there’s nothing quite like sitting down, boots off, watching the light fade over the hills — and tucking into something warm, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make.

Tucked away in the Hakataramea Valley, Pearson Hut is a rustic, little-used backcountry hut reached by a challenging full-day tramp.

Rising above the Mackenzie Basin, Ben Ohau is a commanding peak that offers sweeping views over Lake Ōhau and beyond.

Journey with me through the rugged beauty of Kahurangi National Park on a six-day adventure covering 68 km, four alpine saddles, and a visit to one of the most remote huts in the country.

Hidden in the Canterbury high country, Lake Ida and Lake Catherine are two alpine lakes that make for a stunning day hike.

If you spend time in the outdoors, you know how much the small pieces of gear can make the biggest difference. Trail Cloth was created with one goal in mind: to make hygiene on the trail easier, cleaner, and more comfortable — especially for women who want a reliable, reusable option they can trust in any environment.

If you’re looking for a short but rewarding adventure close to Christchurch, Omahu Bush and Gibraltar Rock are a perfect mix of views, forest, and history. With two nearby car parks along Summit Road—one for Gibraltar Rock and another smaller one about 100 metres away for Omahu Bush—it’s easy to link the two into a full day of exploring.

Cedar Flat Hut is one of those West Coast classics: wild rivers, deep bush, cosy huts, and even natural hot pools. It’s the perfect overnight hike for those wanting a taste of backcountry adventure without venturing too far from Hokitika.

The Hakatere Conservation Park is full of hidden gems, and one of the lesser-known day hikes takes you up to Erewhon Hut. Tucked away in the upper reaches of the Rangitata area, this short but rewarding walk gives you a taste of Canterbury high country history, sweeping views, and a glimpse into a unique chapter of New Zealand skiing.

If you spend enough time in the New Zealand backcountry, you know there’s no such thing as too much comfort — especially when it comes to toilet breaks on the trail. Enter Trail Cloth.

The Lake Sumner area has long been a favourite of trampers who enjoy rustic huts, wild valleys, and classic Canterbury scenery. On this trip I set out to complete the Jolliebrook Circuit, with the intention for an extra detour to bag Cold Stream Hut—a tucked-away little gem up a side valley.

When you’re deep in the New Zealand backcountry, you learn to appreciate the simple things — a dry pair of socks, a sturdy hut, and small bits of gear that just work. Trail Cloth is one of those small but mighty essentials that changes the way you move through the wild.

Pinchgut Hut is a Canterbury classic—an easy-to-reach backcountry hut that draws hunters, families, and hikers alike. With multiple access points, it offers flexibility depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. On this trip, I started from the Ashley, at the Round Hill Stream end.

Tucked away in the tussock basins inland from Fairlie in the Mackenzie District, Spurs Hut is a lovely spot for an easy day hike, family adventure, or overnight stay. With its straightforward access and gentle terrain, it’s no wonder the hut is popular with hunters and families alike.

One of Canterbury’s most accessible backcountry huts, Packhorse Hut is perched on the slopes of Mt Bradley along Banks Peninsula. At 450 metres, it’s a perfect half-day hike or overnight option, with sweeping views over Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains, and beyond to the Southern Alps.

Quail Island is more than just pretty views — it’s a living museum of Canterbury’s past.

Tucked deep in the Kokatahi Valley on the West Coast, Boo Boo Hut offers a fantastic backcountry adventure filled with history, rugged gorge scenery, and the opportunity to ascend higher into the peaks for some serious hut and peak bagging.