Into The Wild

It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s set to be even bigger than yoga. And the good old-fashioned hike is also an excellent way to get off the grid and discover the country

In the ongoing pursuit of mindfulness, a good old fashioned hike has become the hippest way to keep fit, have fun, and discover new parts of New Zealand. From short walks to multi-day journeys, hiking helps to instil a sense of adventure and discovery that can often be lost in adulthood too. The appeal is obvious: it’s a free and social activity that forces you to ‘switch off’, plus it can be a relatively low-impact workout with great results.

“I love feeling fit and strong, and I get a sense of satisfaction from covering big distances,” says outdoor educator and Macpac ambassador Dulkara Martig. “I find hiking meditative. It increases my connection to nature and gives me a sense of belonging, within myself and in the world. And it strengthens my friendships with companions.”

Global trend forecaster WGSN recently predicted that hiking would replace yoga as the ‘it fitness activity’ in 2019, noting its physical and mental benefits as well as it’s visual appeal.

“As we look to disconnect from life and reconnect with nature, traditional outdoor pursuits will gain luxe appeal. Plus, it’s highly Instagrammable: influencers will collect peaks rather than try out the latest boutique fitness class.”

A single step