For a number of years now I have loved the great outdoors something about it rejuvenates me, I feel centred and after my excursion I come back to life and feel like I can get through my everyday routine again.
Having been brought up in Rotorua my favourite childhood memories were times spent camping at the lakes, hiking and relaxing in hot pools and experiencing the outdoors with my family.
Everyone has a different idea of relaxation and a place to destress from their everyday lives, but mine is in the outdoors.
Whether I am walking through a forest, mountain biking through trails, swimming in lakes or the sea and hiking trails. This is my place I can totally unwind and forget about my everyday life. Try it yourself you might be surprised the difference in how you feel afterwards.
5 Outdoors Fitness Ideas for your weekends
1. Hike at a Department of Conservation site
Dotted all around New Zealand are these beautiful hikes in native New Zealand bush- for every fitness level and different durations
Some sites also have information on the trees and they are very well signposted and tracks are very clear for the path you are on.
Located in most cities you will find a track for any kind of adventure, including waterfalls, rivers, trig tracks and more.
If you go to their website below they have all of the information.
www.doc.govt.nz
2. Mountain Biking or Walks through the Redwood Forest Whakarewarewa Rotorua
This is my favourite place in New Zealand the smell of the redwoods and just being in that forest is amazing.
I find my mind drifts away and if I am doing a hike or walk through there when I come out I forget what I had worried about and my skin goes really soft, the effects I feel for a long time afterwards.
With grade 1-6 mountain biking there is tracks for all levels - if your a beginner you can start on the kids loop it still can be a little challenging. As you wind your way through the forest stop every now and again to look around, because it truly is beautiful.
There are many walking tracks starting at the info centre also ranging from shorter and longer walks depending on your preference. The info centre has a map you can take a long the way with you.
www.redwoods.co.nz
3. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Located in Tongariro National Park this hike is not for the faint of heart. You may want to train for this one. As you walk your way up and around tongariro you come across craters and stunning scenery. A must do for tourists and locals I think.
Your Tongariro Crossing journey starts at 1,120 m in altitude. You head up the Mangatepopo valley to the saddle between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, then through South Crater before heading back up again to Red Crater.
This is the highest point at 1,868 metres. At this point, even in summer it can be cool – it’s generally 10 degrees 10 degrees colder than Taupo.
From there, you’ll start going back down. This is where many falls happen so take care, as the terrain is.
From there, you’ll start going back down. This is where many falls happen so take care, as the terrain is loose rock as you approach the Emerald Lakes (at which point you will need your camera).
After passing Blue Lake, the track skirts around the northern slope of Tongariro, then ends with a long meandering track down to the Ketetahi road end. At this point you are 760m above sea level.
Distance: 19.4 km one way.
Time Needed: 6 – 8 hr Summer, 8 – 9 Winter.
Location: Tongariro National Park
Starts: Mangatepopo Car Park
Ends: Ketetahi Car Park
Info courtesy of website
www.tongarirocrossing.com
4. Karangahake Bike Trail Karangahake Gorge
Located close to Waihi is Karangahake Gorge a beautiful gorge of outdoor wonders with a river running through it where the miners panned for gold
Karangahake Gorge to Waikino station is 6.6km one way
Starting at Karangahake Gorge carpark, this ride takes you through the Karangahake Tunnel. The trail winds its way along the edge of the Waitewheta River, offering some of the best scenery of the journey. The track is flat, and the terrain easy.
Cool off at Owharoa Falls with a swim in the crystal clear fresh water. Indulge your appetite at Falls Retreat amidst the trees, or in the rustic restaurant. The trail continues along Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway, and through the Victoria Battery. Riders can take the steam engine from Waikino Station on to Waihi. You can view and download the map for both.
A great day out with great scenery well worth the ride..
5. Craters of the Moon - Taupo
Craters of the moon is a 45 minute walk near Taupo, walking along the path you come across geothermal steam and craters such a pretty site to walk around and almost feels like you are walking around the moon. Great for photos and an easy path just stick to the board walk paths, as the steam and craters are very hot.
You can also mountain bike in this area
I am an intermediate rider and found I could quite comfortably ride these tracks
Craters Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built mountain bike park located only a short distance from Taupo town, with trails ranging from children’s entry level to technical cross country and downhill trails.
Craters Mountain Bike Park has around 50km of bike trails to suit all abilities. There are plenty of options to choose from, allowing you to escape for just an hour or two or have a full day on the trails.
All trails run in and out of exotic pine and eucalyptus plantations, with some stunning views of Lake Taupo and the Waikato River. The volcanic pumice soils allow for year round riding with free draining qualities that are not found anywhere else in New Zealand.
https://www.biketaupo.org.nz/where-to-ride/craters-mtb-park
I saw a quote recently from someone who inspires me I follow on social media lately that has really stuck with me and has helped me to get out there more in my spare time
"The challenge of pushing yourself and not setting any boundaries on what you think is possible, I really believe is a valuable lesson".
Because when you push and believe in yourself and get out there and experience new things out of your comfort zone anything is possible, and you just might find the thing you really love to do, was there all along right in front of you.
Charz 2023