As part of the Women’s Issue of Adventure this August, we took a deep dive into the world of women’s tramping and hiking. We reached out to an inspiring and diverse group of women adventurers, from seasoned trekkers to weekend wanderers, to uncover the heart and soul of their journeys. We asked them the questions that matter: Why do they hike? Where do they go to find their solace? And with whom do they choose to share these moments of wilderness?
Their answers revealed not just the physical landscapes they traverse, but the emotional and spiritual ones as well. These stories capture the essence of connection. Each tale is a testament to the enduring power of the trail, where every step taken leads to new discoveries, both outside and within. These are their stories:
Name: Lydia
Age: 22
Region: Manawatu-Whanganui
Content Questions:
How many years have you been tramping?
I did my first big hike in 2018 and have been hiking regularly since the beginning of
2022. A total of 2.5 years.
Why do you tramp, what does it give you?
Tramping is my way of embracing adventure and pushing my limits. I love the challenge
it presents, always driving me to go further, faster, and higher. Being outside,
surrounded by nature’s beauty, brings a sense of peace and exhilaration. It’s not just
about the physical journey but also the joy of exploring new places and meeting new
people along the way. The sense of accomplishment I feel after conquering a tough
trail is unmatched, and the friendships formed on these journeys add a special touch
to the experience. Tramping, for me, is a perfect blend of challenge, exploration, and
connection.
If there has been one amazing tramp that stands out in your mind – can you outline
where it was and why it was so memorable?
The Heaphy track. It was my first solo multi-night tramp, and it was just amazing! I was
very nervous about doing it on my own. The first day was a mental challenge; I had
just arrived in the South Island alone and was about to head into the bush for four
days without any cell phone reception. By the time I reached the first hut, I felt ready
to turn around and head home. But I’m so glad I didn’t. I ended up forming an amazing
group of new friends and gained a lot of newfound confidence for tramping solo. It
really made me realize that if you want to do something, you can’t let anything hold
you back.
Do you ever feel at risk or disadvantaged being a woman tramper? If so, when?
How have you overcome any disadvantage?
There have been a few times where I’ve felt at risk or disadvantaged. For example,
hiking in remote areas on my own, or encountering groups of strangers has made me
feel vulnerable at times. Ensuring I have a good understanding of and have done
thoroughly researching. Making sure to understand all potential risks, weather and
otherwise makes me feel a lot more comfortable. I also always take a PLB so that if
something does go wrong, help is never too far away.
Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to yourself when you first
started tramping?
Just go for it! Don’t wait for other people to do what you love. Life is way too short to
hold back because you’re waiting for others. Embrace the adventure, trust yourself,
and remember that the most rewarding experiences come from stepping out of your
comfort zone. Each tramp is a chance to discover new strengths and make
unforgettable memories. So, dive in with confidence and relish every moment of the
journey
What advice do you have for women new to hiking who might feel intimidated?
Start small. Don’t try and jump into something too long and technical which may rock
your confidence. It’s important to build your confidence up on shorter and wellmarked trails. Joining a group is also an excellent way to get into hiking, and an
awesome way to meet new people. Everyone must start somewhere, and you just
have to take one mountain at a time, literally!
Can you suggest any specific hiking groups or communities to join for support and
companionship?
I’m part of many Facebook groups including Tramping in New Zealand, Wāhine
Tramping and hiking NZ and Hiking Manawatu. I’m often asking questions about a
variety of things in these groups or organising tramps to meet new people!
