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: Aisling O Riordan
Age: 42
Approximate region where you live: Christchurch
Content Questions:
How many years have you been tramping? 8 years. I started doing day walks in the Port Hills when my son was a baby. I would pop some snacks in his carrier and we would head off every morning for a walk. We finally started overnight and more backcountry hikes after 2020 lockdown.
Why do you tramp, what does it give you?
Why do I tramp? Oh so many reasons! Mental health is a big reason, being able to check out of the city, disconnect from the busyness of life and immerse ourselves in nature is so calming and allows us to recharge. There is just something about listening to the birds and observing the changes in the seasons as we navigate our way to a hut in the middle of nowhere. The serenity of the bush and backcountry is hard to describe. Meeting like minded people as you listen to their adventures over candlelight is the icing on the cake. Tramping with my son allows us some 1:1 time together, away from devices, exploring beautiful places and making life long memories.
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?
One we will never forget was our trip on the Paparoa last year. My son who was 7 at the time, slipped and fell whilst outside playing at the hut and broke his elbow. We had to be helicoptered out of Moonlight Tops hut back to Greymouth. He had surgery the next day back in Christchurch, 3 wires into his elbow and a massive cast for a 6 week recovery. One week after his cast was off though he was climbing his way up to Mueller Hut so he recovered well.
Just goes to show that things can change in an instant and to be as prepared as you can with a PLB if there is no cell reception.
Do you ever feel at risk or disadvantaged being a woman tramper? If so,
when? I wouldn’t say disadvantaged as such. It’s always a risk going tramping as so many variables and elements to consider. To date, I have had nothing but positive comments and support about what I do with my son. So many people feel inspired by it which is one of the greatest compliments I feel I can ever receive. It makes for very interesting and wonderful conversations with people at the huts.
How have you overcome any disadvantage? Apart from a dodgy knee, plantar fasciitis and a temperamental back all is good !
Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to yourself when
you first started tramping? Just do it!! I did day walks for a few years. Overnight hikes intrigued me but I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to do it, be prepared enough or get lost! After Lockdown 2020, I finally bit the bullet and we headed off on our first overnight hike. Less than 4 years later we have bagged over 100 huts and not stopping any time soon. Here’s to the next 100!!
What advice do you have for women new to hiking who might feel intimidated? Reach out to other women who can offer guidance, support as we all had to start somewhere. There are women hiking groups you can join if going solo is not something you are comfortable with. Lots of people out there with years of knowledge and experience that are only too happy to help, share and support.
Can you suggest any specific hiking groups or communities to join for
support and companionship?
The Outdoorsy Mama is a wonderful supportive group that not only supports women in hiking but women getting outdoors in general both solo and with their families. Tramping in new Zealand FB group has a huge amount of knowledge and experienced people on there that share lots of tips and tricks of the trade.
There is also Wāhine hiking and tramping NZ group and a more local one for Christchurch too. Most towns/cities also have various tramping groups that you can join and go on their group trips.
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