Backyard Travel Family

Lonely Planet rates this one region in 2027 - right here in New Zealand

And I’m stoked as its a region that’s a bit off the tourist trail and still feels local and quite undiscovered

Waitaki and Dunedin in New Zealand’s South Island is the 2027 Lonely Planet Destinations to visit list.... so are you adding it to yours?

Here’s a ton of things to do in Oamaru and Dunedin - have we convinced you to visit?

Ōamaru & Waitaki, New Zealand Ōamaru Penguins Dunedin, New Zealand Dunedin Railway Station New Zealand

Part 2 of our favourite hikes under 3 hours in New Zealand

Add these to your school holiday and summer tramping list. And if they’re all booked up you can totally visit these as a day walk, have lunch at the hut and come back again

Let us know some of your favourite huts and stick around for Part 3 of our New Zealand hike list

New Zealand hikes don’t all have to be full day affairs

Sometimes you might be looking for just a few hours into paradise and these are some of our favourites

I love that these are all beginner friendly hikes - but of course, keep safe and pack appropriately for the weather. 🥰

This is Part 1 of 3 of New Zealand walks under 3 hours to a backcountry hut

Overnight family hikes have been some of my favourite memories, but the first time, I swear I checked my packing list a gazillion times

If you’re heading on a popular trail, at a lower elevation in good weather then there will be lots of gear you have at home that will totally work.

You don’t need to buy a whole lot of new gear just for hiking

Seriously, you probably know someone who has an extra pack or some camping bowls you can borrow

But do remember that anything can happen out there - New Zealand weather is a minefield

So those waterproof jackets and warm thermal layers are pretty key. As is a method of communication like a personal locator beacon.

❤️ Need any more gear recommendations for tramping, then drop them below

Mountains are my happy place and I’m always keen to hike in New Zealand if I get a view as good as this

These are some of my favourite New Zealand walks with mountain views

But I’m keen to do some more these holidays so tell me your favs too!