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I stood quietly absorbing the spectacular views; in one direction dramatically crimson coloured mountain ranges pushed up out of a vast and seemingly empty plain, above an eagle lazily soaring on the gentle thermal winds and below, a precarious trail clinging to the side of the cliff.

The persistent cawing of crows brought me back from my reflections and I visibly relaxed, knowing we’d successfully climbed to the top of Brinkley Bluff, one of the most challenging sections on the Larapinta Trail. 

The strain of the last few weeks immediately slipped away into insignificance.

Winter in the Red Centre of Australia is magical. Imagine clear dry days under an enormous blue sky, pleasant daytime temperatures and last but not least, fewer flies when compared to the hot and wet summer months. 

While it’s possible to visit the region in any season, winter’s cool drier days provide the ideal conditions to explore the Red Centre’s iconic landscapes. 

I begin walking in tears. For many reasons, not least of which is the unknown.

As much as I’m nervous for what lies ahead, there’s something encouragingly familiar about the process.

I shove three or four sausage rolls into my mouth as my parents (and our family dog) bid me an emotional farewell (more on my part, than theirs) and I start walking uphill towards Bealey Hut.

Aotearoa New Zealand is an adventure playground which has been thrilling hikers for many years with its incredibly beautiful scenery, luxuriant rainforests, magnificent rivers, seemingly limitless mountain ranges, remarkable valleys and tranquil lowland plains.

In this article, I share with you my favourite New Zealand Hiking Essential Gear List, these are my go to items that I reach for when planning any hiking trip in our beautiful outdoors.