154: Working as a Sky Diving Instructor in Wānaka with Anne Bonfert
Anne Bonfert has been skydiving for ten years and worked as an instructor across the world, from Namibia to Spain. Living her long-time dream, she came to New Zealand with her husband to spend a season jumping over Wanaka and Queenstown. Anne shares her experience as an instructor, from taking nervous first-timers to managing up to 15 jumps a day. Anne talks about the process to becoming an instructor, the different pathways you can take, and the best drop zones across the North and South Island. Alongside skydiving, Anne and her husband made the most of their days off, tramping to backcountry huts, kayaking Abel Tasman, and even making it down to Stewart Island. 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 Get 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 Anne on Instagram: instagram.com/mydreamofafricaFollow Anne on Medium: medium.com/@anne.bonfertRead 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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153: Arthurs Pass and Three Attempts at Mount Philistine with Amelia Hayes
Amelia Hayes works in the trucking industry, but one Instagram photo of Peak Hill reignited her love for the outdoors. Based just two hours from Arthur’s Pass, Amelia has explored the area more times than she can count. She shares about her three attempts at climbing Mount Philistine - long days with friends, and eventually reaching the summit - with no view at all. Amelia talks honestly about the frustration of falling behind, the pressure of hiking in groups, and how it felt to finally make it to the top. She also shares the best day hikes in Arthur’s Pass, birdlife to look out for, and all the little roadside stops worth pulling over for.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 Amelia on Instagram: instagram.com/mealzhikes/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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BONUS: Community Hike - Tāmaki Makaurau
The Aotearoa Adventures whānau got offline and out in nature for the FIRST TIME EVER to celebrate 3 years of podcasting and well...it's probably about time.Meet the legends that were there, they dropped some epic travel recommendations. I learnt some epic things too.Ashley: @littlekiwitravelsBeccy: @beccyvincentKaty: @katheryne_mckCole: @2passingthruRachael: @nz.rainbow.hunterMohamed: @md._.ahamadiKristina: @kristinamontsGarfield: @dersteppemwolfKaelyn: @misswalkalotWhere would you like to see the next Aotearoa Adventures community hike?
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152: First Ascents on Mount Lindenfeld and Mount Haast with Justin Wimmer
Justin Wimmer grew up between Aotearoa and Europe, skiing in Austria and climbing in New Zealand from a young age while also being involved in YSAR. He shares the story of setting two new alpine routes in Aoraki National Park - Mount Lindenfeld and Mount Haast - with storms, rime ice, and long glacier approaches to climb remote rock and ice walls. Justin also talks about essential gear for beginners and reflects on risk and the alpine culture in New Zealand.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 Justin on Instagram: instagram.com/alpinedirtbagRead 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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151: House Sitting across New Zealand with Travel Writer Jessica Lockhart
Jessica Lockhart is a travel writer with Lonely Planet and has spent 3 years house sitting across New Zealand. She shares about the concept of being a parachute journalist and the importance of getting to know a country on a deeper local level. Jessica shares advice for anyone that wants to housesit - including where to find sits, what to expect with pets, finding routine with instability and some mishaps along the way. She also shares her favourite destinations and experiences in New Zealand to connect with the history and culture for visitors and Kiwis alike. 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 Jessica on Instagram: instagram.com/wynnelockhart Shop Lonely Planet NZRead the Blog: www.abigailhannah.nzFollow Abigail on Instagram: instagram.com/abigailhannnah/Follow Abigail on TikTok: tiktok.com/@abigailhannnah/Get my NZ Map & Guide
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.
New Zealand