Outside in Aotearoa
What's happening outdoors around New Zealand. Track updates, mountain news and good reasons to get out there.
Plan the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with detailed route stages, genuine trail photos, maps, packing advice, transport tips and attributed hikers’ accounts.
Read more... : Tongariro Alpine Crossing: the detailed trail, photo and packing guideCheck NZ recreational sea-fishing rules by area and species, using the official app for size limits, catch limits and closures.
Read more... : Before you fish in NZ: check area, species and current rulesChoose a lifeguarded swimming beach, understand red and yellow flags and learn Surf Life Saving NZ's advice for rip currents.
Read more... : Choosing a beach swim: flags, conditions and rip currentsPrepare for a first kayaking outing with sheltered water, suitable instruction, a fitted lifejacket and a practical return plan.
Read more... : Your first kayaking trip: choose the water before the gearUnderstand UV Index, SPF and UPF, then combine clothing, shade and correctly used sunscreen for outdoor days in New Zealand.
Read more... : Sun protection outdoors: UV, SPF and UPF explainedReduce sandfly bites with covering clothing, suitable repellent and simple campsite habits, including label checks for children.
Read more... : Sandflies on a NZ trip: reduce bites without overpackingPlan toilets and a small waste kit for outdoor trips, follow local disposal rules and keep paper and waste out of waterways.
Read more... : Outdoor toilet stops: keeping campsites and water cleanCompare down and synthetic insulation, understand fill power and choose warmth for the moisture, pack space and conditions of your trip.
Read more... : Down or synthetic insulation: what matters on a damp trip?Check sleeping-bag fill and care instructions before washing, choose the right cleaner and allow enough time for thorough drying.
Read more... : How to wash and store a sleeping bagClean, dry and store your tent carefully, then inspect poles, zips and coatings before the next trip or a second-hand purchase.
Read more... : How to clean, dry and store a tentPrepare and pitch a tent in wind with a controlled setup sequence, suitable shelter and properly secured pegs and guy lines.
Read more... : Pitching a tent in wind: site choice and a secure setupReduce tent condensation with better ventilation, fly spacing and wet-gear habits, and learn what to check when water appears inside.
Read more... : Why your tent gets wet inside: reducing condensation
