My guests today are Kemi and Niko, the creative duo behind Kemi Niko & Co. Known for their handcrafted miniature huts, public art projects, and love for New Zealand’s backcountry, they blend art, design, and outdoor culture in a way that’s utterly unique.We talk about how they began as broke artists in Wellington, their passion for real materials and hut heritage, the challenge of raising kids who tramp, and the surprising demand for tiny huts made from salvaged tin and timber.It’s a story of creativity, persistence, and connection — to the land, to people, and to the simple joy of shelter.For more information visit their website at http://www.keminiko.com/ and follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kemi_niko/
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21:56
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21:56
Alistair Hall - Wilderness Magazine & NZ's Worst Tramp
Alistair Hall has been the editor and publisher of Wilderness Magazine for nearly two decades — and part of its story since the early 1990s. In this episode, he talks about his earliest outdoor memories, the “type two fun” that sparked his passion for tramping, and the muddy, magical challenge of the Southern Circuit on Rakiura.He shares what it takes to produce a monthly magazine that’s chronicled New Zealand’s outdoor culture for more than 30 years, why Wilderness has endured while others folded, and what he learned from an ill-fated experiment with AI illustrations.From school camps in Tongariro to the “worst tramp in New Zealand,” to launching the Walk1200 challenge — this is a fascinating look behind the scenes at a publication that’s inspired generations of trampers.
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22:20
Victoria & Emilie Bruce - Mother, Daughter, Trailblazers
Victoria and Emilie Bruce have shared thousands of kilometres of trail — and hundreds of backcountry huts — between them. When Emilie was just seven years old, the pair set off to walk the length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa Trail, raising funds for conservation and mental health, and inspiring trampers young and old along the way. In this episode, Victoria and Emilie talk about the adventures that shaped them — from snowstorms in Nelson Lakes to the solitude of the West Coast — and the lessons learned through blisters, laughter, and lollies. We hear how their journey turned into two books (Adventures with Emilie and Emilie Walks), and how they’ve kept exploring ever since — with more than 400 huts now ticked off their growing list. It’s a story of courage, curiosity, and connection — a reminder that the best adventures are often the ones we share.
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25:58
Andrew Buglass - Huts, Solitude, and the Birth of Permolat
Andrew Buglass is the founder of Permolat and the central figure in The Hut Keepers, a new film celebrating the grassroots effort to preserve New Zealand’s hut network. In this episode, Andrew shares his deep connection with the mountains, the challenges of solitude, and the pivotal experiences that shaped his lifelong commitment to protecting backcountry huts. From youthful nights in the hills with only a transistor radio for company, to leading a movement that has kept our huts alive for future generations, Andrew reflects on what it means to belong in the backcountry.Photo: Andrew by lake on Elliot tops, credit Paulette Birchfield
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29:45
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29:45
Jerry Van Lier - Tales from the Tararuas
Jerry Van Lier is the creator and host of the Tararua Fever podcast, which dives deep into the rugged, rewarding, and sometimes notorious Tararua Ranges. From his very first tramp at the age of six to weathering gnarly conditions on southern crossings, Jerry’s stories capture both the challenges and the joys of these hills. We talk about tramping clubs and changing generations, hairy sections like the Waiohine Pinnacles, the huts he loves (and avoids), his philosophy on gear and safety, and what’s still on his bucket list. Jerry’s passion for the Tararuas shines through — as does the adrenaline that keeps pulling him back.
Conversations with people who share a deep love for exploring Aotearoa New Zealand on foot. From the well-trodden Great Walks to the rugged solitude of remote backcountry routes, our guests share their favourite hikes, huts, and hard-earned lessons from the track.Whether you’re an experienced tramper or just curious about what makes hiking in New Zealand so special. The Tramping Life offers inspiration, practical insights, and a deeper connection to the landscapes that shape us.#tramping #hiking #interviews #newzealand #nzhiking #hike #tramp #travel #walking #travel
New Zealand