We need to make the effort to get outside not just for our physical health but for our mental health, writes fitness guru Laura Hulley.
As a full-time office worker, I don’t often get too much vitamin D or breathe in much air that isn’t straight from an air conditioning unit. I’m sure truckers can relate. Although work commitments and conditions aren’t always conducive to outdoor active time, we need to make an effort to get outside not just for our physical health but for our mental health.
If you’re driving, this obviously isn’t always an option for you. But I encourage you, as often as is practical, to pull over and get some fresh air and stretch your legs. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
Although I will always be a massive ambassador of the gym, I believe there’s nothing quite like a good bush walk and being at one with nature. I have compiled a list of some exciting and fun outdoor trails and activities to do with mates or family while the weather is still good.
Wairere Falls – Matamata, North Island
Wairere Falls is a beautiful bush walk in the Matamata-Piako area. It is a combination of bush and man-made steps winding up towards a beautiful waterfall lookout at the summit. Many people also go for a dip in the fresh water at the top of the waterfall. The walk is moderately hard, allow three hours for the return trip depending on your fitness level. There is the option to stop at the first lookout point and call it a day if you feel the waterfall summit may be out of your reach. The track has recently been upgraded.
Otago Rail Trail – Otago, South Island
The Otago Rail Trail is a cycle track that spans the Otago region in the South Island. Whether just heading out for the day or doing the full week tour, there are options to suit all ages and situations. The great thing about the rail trail is that you don’t have to contend with cars, which makes it suitable for children. There are, of course, cycle trails all over New Zealand to bike year-round.
Cathedral Cove kayak tour – Coromandel, North Island
If you love the water and the beach, then a kayak tour at Cathedral Cove could be for you. There are specific tours that take you safely through the beach and rock caves at Cathedral Cove. You can, of course, hire or bring a kayak and make your own way around, too. Kayaking is a great upper body and core workout using the natural resistance of the water. It’s also a good alternative for people who want to explore the water but may not be confident ocean swimmers.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Central North Island
The Tongariro Crossing is a world-renowned hike in the Tongariro National Park that traverses volcanoes, mountain springs and alpine lakes. There are half-day, full-day and weekend guided tours. This is not something that you would want to attempt on your own without the help of an experienced guide. It would also act as a great goal to work towards if you are starting out on your hiking or walking journey.
Karangahake Gorge – Waihī, North Island
The Karangahake Gorge is filled with beautiful hikes and walking options of varying levels of difficulty. A river flows down the centre of the entire gorge where people enjoy taking swims in the freshwater throughout summer (and brave people in winter). People of all ages and stages can enjoy the gorge, from 30-minute flat terrain bush walks to three-hour return mountain peak walks to the summit of Mount Karangahake. Mount Karangahake was one of the six summits I climbed as a part of a mental health charity event and is by far one of my favourites. The 90 minutes it takes to get to the summit is well worth it for the incredible view. You can see all over Waikino, Waihī and the surrounding areas from the summit.
Mt Maunganui summit – Mt Maunganui, North Island
If you are looking for an entry-level summit suitable for the entire family, then look no further than Mauao. There are a few different tracks up to the summit, which should take about an hour to reach. One is predominantly stairs, and the other is mainly bush/gravel track. Once you reach the top, you can obviously choose if you’d like to go down the same way or take an alternate route back down. If you are not interested or ready to tackle the summit, there is a beautiful track around the base of the Mount that is mostly shaded and flat terrain.
If none of the outdoor activities I’ve listed suit, or they are too far away – then research online some of the many walks, hikes, cycles and exercise tours to do in your area. The beauty of outdoor activities is you can pick something that interests you. Whether you prefer to walk, cycle, swim or kayak – there’s plenty to do and see.
