We are now deep into this lockdown thing. Life has been turned upside down. With this in mind, we started reminiscing about the good old days, our favourite trails, our favourite boots and what we want to do most once this is all over. I know I for one would destroy a Whopper right now. To give you guys some lite reading we thought we would reach out to our Outdoor Pro Team to answer a few questions for your reading pleasure. Check out what they had to say!
Rach Stewart - @rachstewartnz – www.rachstewartphotography.com
1. What is your all-time favourite trail or location to hike?
Too hard to choose! Either The Coromandel Coastal Walkway or Mueller Hut Mount Cook
2. What is your favourite LOWA boot?
My Maurias. Love them, live in them during winter.
3. What is something unexpected that is found in your pack when hiking?
Wine 😂
4. What are you doing to stay active during lockdown?
Walking the beach every day, biking.
5. What are you missing the most during lockdown?
Mountains!!!
6. What’s the 1st you are going to do or buy once lockdown is over?
First thing to buy .. a proper coffee. As soon as I am able, I'm going to the mountains.
7. What are you doing to help locals?
My neighbourhood is quite tight .. we are all helping each other at the moment with little things. Definitely going to visit the old folk’s home where my nana is to cheer up her and her friends.
8. Favourite quote?
It's not an adventure or action quote .. but I love it
“Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears.” - John Lennon
Sophie Piearcey - @sophiepiearcey – www.notesofanortherner.com
1. What is your all-time favourite trail or location to hike?
I think my favourite place to hike in New Zealand is Mount Cook National Park. I don't know what it is about that place but I just love being there. Sealy Tarns, Mueller Hut and Red Tarns are my three favourite tracks for sure. Brutal with the steps but worth everything for the views at the top. My favourite out of New Zealand hiking experience has to be Nepal and the route to Everest Base Camp. Such a diverse, incredible landscape and trail. I don't think I will ever forget how the mountains stood so, so high above us,
2. What is your favourite LOWA boot?
My first pair of Lowa's is still to this day my best pair. My Mauria GTX are my first Lowa love. Maybe because I've worn them so much but I also love the way they look and the support they give my knee's. My posture changed when wearing these boots and they carried me to and from Everest base camp with ZERO blisters. In fact, I have never had a blister when wearing these boots.
3. What is something unexpected that is found in your pack when hiking?
A hairbrush. I always carry a brush or a comb in my backpack. It is totally not essential to hiking but sometimes my hikes are for a branding shoot or some sort of link to my photography work so I need to brush my hair before I step into the camera. I think that and maybe the amount of snacks but then everyone knows how much I love eating trail snacks.
4. What are you doing to stay active during lockdown?
We are pretty lucky here in Queenstown with the access to the Queenstown trail right on our doorstep. We make sure to be out early for a brisk morning loop track walk and weather dependant we head out for a run or another walk early evening. There's so much space here so social distancing is no problem. I signed up to Les Mills so I could carry on my gym workouts and a bit of yoga doesn't go a miss either.
5. What are you missing the most during lockdown?
I think I miss the ability to drive to any trail and do a good long hill hike. We had quiet a few weekends to Mount Cook, Fiordland and the beach planned this month which have now all been out on hold but as soon as it's safe to move around again we will be heading to those destinations in that order.
6. What’s the 1st you are going to do or buy once lockdown is over?
I am such a hugger and people person so I will be making a visit to all my friends and giving them all a big hug. I think some more baking essentials will have to join the kitchen after the success of my new baking channel on my Instagram stories and I think the first thing I will do is get on a mountain hike, Ben Lomond, Roy's peak or The Remarkable's would be great.
7. What are you doing to help locals?
I have started a new local scoop section on my blog for those who want to shout about their business through my channels but I think for local business in Queenstown, especially those that rely on that tourist trade I will make my way around them all and help document their services and offering. I would also like to organise a community hike for those who would like to head into the mountains and catch a couple of sunsets together. This is all of course when Jacinda tells us it's safe to do so.
8. Favourite quote?
My favourite quote of all time is one from the old man... 'Everyone has a choice and everyone has a chance' and it means exactly that. You have the choice to do and be whatever you want to be and you in yourself have the chance to make that happen. Taking chances lead me to where I am today, making great choices aided that journey and I will always be grateful for that.
Ryan Domico - @ryan_domenico – www.ryandomenicoweddings.com
1. What is your all-time favourite trail or location to hike?
Ooo that’s a tricky one! In NZ I would say that it’s probably the central plateau of the North Island. The whole area is just so unique and it ticks all of the boxes for me. It provides stunning, volcanic scenery, trails for all experience levels, alpine terrain and plenty of technical snow and ice climbing in the winter.
There are also countless epic trails that I’m yet to experience down South. We’re certainly spoilt for choice here in NZ.
2. What is your favourite LOWA boot?
My personal favourite is the Baldo GTX. It’s an epic all-rounder, super comfortable, rugged and protective, warm and waterproof and it looks great. For more challenging terrain, the Camino GTX is hard to beat.
3. What is something unexpected that is found in your pack when hiking?
Probably nappies haha. Our 2 year old accompanies us on most of our hikes these days.
4. What are you doing to stay active during lockdown?
We’ve been going on daily family walks which we all really enjoy. We’re lucky enough to live within a couple of minutes of the Mt Victoria forest in Wellington. It has lots of nice trails and native bush to enjoy.
5. What are you missing the most during lockdown?
Definitely the mountains. As a landscape photographer, I’m at my happiest in the mountains and I’m really missing my regular sunrise photography and hiking missions.
6. What’s the 1st you are going to do or buy once lockdown is over?
The first thing I’m going to buy is definitely a proper coffee. I’m really missing our local cafe, Coolsville in Hataitai. Once I’m suitably caffeinated, a trip to the mountains will definitely be on the cards. I’m thinking of planning a photography trip up to Syme Hut on Mt Taranaki for the night.
7. What are you doing to help locals?
Small gestures of kindness can go a long way during these difficult times. Every time I head to the supermarket, I’ve been messaging our neighbours to see if they need me to pick anything up for them.
Once the level 4 restrictions have been lifted, I’d love to be able to offer some free outdoor photography sessions to some of the local families.
8. Favourite quote?
It’s a long one but one that really resonates with me.
“make a radical change in your lifestyle and begin to boldly do things which you may previously never have thought of doing, or been too hesitant to attempt. So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservation, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality, nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. If you want to get more out of life, you must lose your inclination for monotonous security and adopt a helter-skelter style of life that will at first appear to you to be crazy. But once you become accustomed to such a life you will see its full meaning and its incredible beauty.”
-Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild
Graham King - @grahamnking – www.grahamkingphoto.com
1. What is your all-time favourite trail or location to hike?
In all my travels so far I still think that New Zealand has some of my favourite hikes, particularly in Mt Cook National Park. I love the Sealy Tarns hike for a more challenging walk and the Tasman Glacier track for an easier one.
2. What is your favourite LOWA boot?
I currently have the Renegade style from LOWA and absolutely love them. The weight of the boots is so light but the quality is still so tough and durable.
3. What is something unexpected that is found in your pack when hiking?
I always carry a leatherman, headtorch and first aid kit in my hiking bag. I consider them to be essentials and they have come in handy so many times.
4. What are you doing to stay active during lockdown?
Mainly just taking the dogs out for a walk every afternoon. I find this is best way to unwind from a day of working at home as well and really helps me reset.
5. What are you missing the most during lockdown?
I am really missing being out with my camera and going for walks. Autumn is really my favourite time to shoot in Tasmania but I think it is totally right that we need to stay home at the moment. This virus is really serious and I feel privileged to live in a country with great healthcare and a government who looks after its people.
6. What’s the 1st you are going to do or buy once lockdown is over?
Haha probably go out for a long hike or go to one of my favourite cafes and get a coffee. I am also really missing my last minute sunset missions so I am stoked to do some of those again.
7. What are you doing to help locals?
I have mainly just been focusing on staying home and really going out only if necessary. I think this is the best way to combat the virus at the moment and following what the government is saying.
8. Favourite quote?
"If you want to be successful, it's just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing." - Will Rogers
Josh Shaw - @thejoshshaw
1. What is your all-time favourite trail or location to hike?
Every trail is unique and can offer a completely different experience each time you hike it, but a definite stand out for me would be hiking to the volcanic crater on the summit of Mt Ruapehu. Imagine it’s the thick of winter, snowboard strapped to your back, knee deep snow every step with sections of ice to navigate with your crampons - after a few hours you reach the summit above the clouds, you look down into the crater to see the active volcano bubbling away, the winds pick up and the snowboard strapped to your pack acts like a wing almost lifting you off your feet, so you kick off your LOWAs and strap into your snowboard. The next hour is spent completely uninterrupted in awe as you slowly carve your way back down through the clouds and into the sunset - arghh bliss!
2. What is your favourite LOWA boot?
I love all of my LOWA’s but if I had to have a favourite it would be my Cevedale Pro GTX. They are my go to for hitting the alps as the Flexfit Synchro & Roller Eyelets make them super comfortable and reliable on those long alpine hikes, plus having the ability to fit my crampons when things get extreme is everything! Did I mention they look awesome in photographs too? 😏
3. What is something unexpected that is found in your pack when hiking?
I’m super anal about keeping my pack light with only the essentials so usually most thing are expected - although there have been occasions of mulled wine finding it’s way into my thermos.. how did that get there?!
4. What are you doing to stay active during lockdown?
To stay busy we have been converting a big van into a cabin-home with plans to spend winter living life on the road exploring the beautiful southern alps of New Zealand. **watch this space**
5. What are you missing the most during lockdown?
Freedom & Nature - this is most likely the longest period I can remember NOT being out there in the wilderness. Lockdown has certainly been a great time to reflect on the things we value the most..
6. What’s the 1st you are going to do or buy once lockdown is over?
KFC, definitely KFC 😂
7. What are you doing to help locals?
We plan to spend the rest of the year travelling locally here in New Zealand supporting local businesses along the way while helping promote and support our local tourism industry and its owners/ operators who have been hit the hardest during these challenging times.
8. Favourite quote?
If not now, when?
Jaylene Cook - @jaylenecook_ - www.jaylenecook.com
1. What is your all-time favourite trail or location to hike?
The Gold Coast hinterland has a great range of trails for any skill level, with a lot of them leading to freshwater swimming holes which is the perfect reward after a big hike! This year I would love to tackle more challenging trails around New Zealand’s South Island!
2. What is your favourite LOWA boot?
My favourite is the Lavena II GTX! It fits my foot shape perfectly, gives me great support but still allows my foot to move! It’s also really lightweight which was an issue I found with other boots when I was searching for the perfect pair.
3. What is something unexpected that is found in your pack when hiking?
Everything is laid out and checked and rechecked before I pack my hike bag but somehow I manage to slip an extra bag of lollies or some wine in there.. you know.. for emergencies.
4. What are you doing to stay active during lockdown?
We are currently in isolation on a 40acre farm in rural New Zealand, so to keep active we have been doing farm work such as chopping firewood, repairing sheds, spraying weeds and walking the hills in search of fresh mushrooms (yum!)
5. What are you missing the most during lockdown?
Being able to adventure outdoors to our favourite lakes and beaches and being able to visit family and friends
6. What’s the 1st you are going to do or buy once lockdown is over?
I plan to eat out at all my favourite restaurants for breakfast lunch and dinner!! And give my mum a big cuddle!
7. What are you doing to help locals?
Josh and I are currently converting an Iveco van into a self-contained camper! (Which has also been keeping us very busy during isolation) we plan on travelling New Zealand top to bottom and support local businesses, especially our farmers that provide us with fresh fruit, vege, meat and dairy! The tourism industry has obviously taken a big hit too, so will be using our social media presence to encourage kiwis to get out of the house, bring their friends and family and explore our extremely beautiful back yard!
8. Favourite quote?
What have you got to lose?
Emily-Ann Marskell - @adventurewithemily – www.emilyannmarskell.com
1. What is your all-time favourite trail or location to hike?
My favourite hiking location is Hawaii. It's self-explanatory really but the mountains and waterfalls there are absolutely incredible. It would be hard to choose a favourite hike but I think it'd be the stairway to heaven or the Lanikai Pillboxes.
2. What is your favourite LOWA boot?
I have only worn the Renegade boot but compared to the other hiking boots I've tried it's by far my favourite. It's comfortable and has been fantastic in all situations, from hiking in Queensland to being in the snow in Canada.
3. What is something unexpected that is found in your pack when hiking?
I'm not sure that I have anything unexpected in my pack, the only slightly abnormal thing is I bring a wireless remote for my camera on all of our adventures so I can capture myself and my partner in epic locations.
4. What are you doing to stay active during lockdown?
I've been taking my dog on daily walks and have been doing some at home workouts through HIIT Kawana.
5. What are you missing the most during lockdown?
Going out to brunch! My partner and I go out to our favourite cafe's every Saturday morning and it's something I'm surprisingly missing alot. (First world problems I know)
6. What’s the 1st you are going to do or buy once lockdown is over?
Brunch! And probably go for a camping trip somewhere as we haven't done that in too long.
7. What are you doing to help locals?
We have still been getting take away coffees from our favourite cafes, trying to shop local where we can and being sure to ask anyone we know with a local business how they are doing and if there's anything we can do to help.
8. Favourite quote?
All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them