Living Simply

11/05/2026

George had been out and about! After plenty of rain, the weather cleared and he headed out to Crosbies Hut. He had a fantastic hike up the Karaka Track to Crosbie's hut, perfect weather and great views of Table Mountain and down to Whitianga. Hike out via the Te Puru Track was fun, if muddy, and road walking down SH25 back to the car was made tolerable thanks to the lovely view and seeing the shags out fishing!

16/03/2026

Whoohoo! Another Great Walk done and dusted for George! He walked the Rakiura Track and can confirm that 1) it is muddy and 2) gaiters are great! He also tested out his brand new Aarn pack 🤩 Way to go!

02/03/2026

Team member Mary couldn't resist the ridgelines of the Tararua Ranges! Over 6 days, she was able to spend 2 full days on the tops and 4 days in the valleys. Exploring some old Permalot trails and hidden bivvys, she had a blast!

17/01/2026

A wet but beautiful tramp up to Te Rereatukahia Hut via the Tuahu Track. Mary and her partner didn't mind the rain but they will never forget their gas cooker again 😅

29/12/2025

5 days of good weather in the Tararuas? It is unbelievable but possible! Mary had a blast climbing up to Winchcombe Biv, Maungahuka Hut and Mid Waiohine Hut!

07/12/2025

Our team has been busy! Christian ticked off the Travers-Sabine Circuit; Hamish visited The Pinnacles and Cape Brett; Mary took her American friend to Rangitoto and ran the Hunua Five-O in the scorching sun!

26/09/2025

Heated discussions here between the Saturday team members: Who is going to win Bird of Year 2025?
Rob is rooting for the fantail because they cheer him up as they visit his garden.
Mary is campaigning for the Southern New Zealand Dotterel after meeting Dan, a full-time ranger on Stewart Island, monitoring the nests and setting baits. George hasn't made up his mind just yet...

Who are you voting for this year?

Voting closes on Monday
https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/

Forest & Bird’s Bird of the Year recognises our unique birds and with each vote you give them a voice.

17/05/2025

Eek! How far is 100km? Far. Just ask teammember Mary, who finished the 100km South Island Ultra last weekend. She had a fantastic day out and took some snap shots for you, so you don't have to run it 😅

07/05/2025

We welcome to the team: Hamish!

Second year uni student studying law, Spanish and history, he has pretty busy but when he does get time off, he's off tramping (of course), running, and mountain biking. He and his mates are currently trying to cross off all the Great Walks and are just over halfway there. Routeburn is his firm favourite so far!



He has called us "awesome co-workers," which we greatly appreciate 😜

14/01/2025

Belated Christmas/New Years and Living Simply Birthday Party all in 1 evening! Has anyone noticed that we were a little rusty on Saturday morning? 😁
From left to right: Rob, Christian, Mary, Ben (zhe Boss!) and George.
Ben C is missing in this photo as he had another party - priorities? 😁