138: An Obsession with the Mountains of Tongariro National Park with Hazel Phillips
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 todayGet my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itineraryThank 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 ParkRead the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Join the broadcast channel (AKA insiders' club)
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137: A 5 Year Journey from Budget DIY Van to Dream Home-on-Wheels with Abigail and Isaac
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.comFridge: Dometic NRX 80CInduction cooktop: Dometic CVI1525Basin: Dometic VA8000eSYSTEM pre-wired board: Enerdrive eSYS-DSolar Panel: Enerdrive 190W Fixed Mono Solar PanelBattery: Enerdrive B-TEC 12V 200Ah G2 Lithium BatteryInverter: Enerdrive 2000W 12V True Sine Wave Inverter Follow Dometic on Instagram: instagram.com/dometicFollow 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.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide
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136: Pushed to her Limits on the Hump Ridge Track and Slow, Mindful Travel with Helen Griffiths
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 todayGet my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary 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/www.helengriffiths.coRead the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
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135: Ultra-Swimming and 11 Hours to Swim Across the Cook Strait with Ivan Polyntcev
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 todayGet my NZ Map & GuideBook your 1-on-1 consult and personalised itinerary 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.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/
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BONUS: Listen to Abigail on the Kiwi Yarns Podcast
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=LYmBtr9kk5YSPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/3FEtXmUxF1gbzovTpKsGHOAPPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/kiwi-yarns/id1516048486And follow Abigail on Instagram for some exciting news: instagram.com/abigailhannnah
About Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast
Explore New Zealand with Aotearoa Adventures - your ultimate guide to travel, adventure, and the outdoors.
Each week, host Abigail Hannah brings you inspiring stories from everyday people, covering tramping, vanlife, bikepacking, road trips, and so much more.
Get beginner tips and practical advice for every adventure, from camping under the stars to multi-week expeditions. Whether you’re a local, on a working holiday, or visiting, this podcast will inspire you to explore New Zealand deeper and connect with nature.
Listen to Aotearoa Adventures: The New Zealand Travel Podcast, Between Two Beers Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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