Hi Kraig, just regarding your comment on the 'Great walks' - what a lot of people don't realize is that the NZ govt. doesn't promote the 'Great walks' because they are actually the 'greatest' hikes. They promote them because they're the most accessable hikes for tourists who are beginner hikers, due to the fact they all have easy navigation and well maintained trails. Not to say there aren't some good ones, but just be aware that what 'Great walk' really means is 'this would be a great walk for a beginner hiker', not 'this walk is the best of the best'.
I would also add that DOC actually doesnt require you to sleep in huts as youve said. The hut system is cheap and awesome, but you can also camp. There is some rules about "wild camping", making it impractical for most Great Walks. But not only you can, you often have to use a tent, especially on more remote tramps. Some of which, as mentioned, are arguably even more spectacular than the Great walks. NZ rules in general are very nonrestrictive compared to some other countries!
I have enjoyed hiking for almost 20 years now, and if I had to guess I would say that 90% of them have been solo. Even today there is always a small amount of anxiety when going out alone. It all goes away after a short period of time on the trail. You set the pace. You decide what to stop and look at, and for how long. You decide when it's time for a break, and when you need something to eat, and you decide to keep on going or maybe even to turn around. Companionship on the trail can be amazing. But breaking out of the comfort zone and doing it alone is another experience. I'll add that you should prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and educate yourself for the area you will be in!! Most importantly, slow down and really take everything in.
When I saw this video pop up on my feed, it pushed me to commit to completing the hike, which had been on my list for many years. I completed the hike yesterday, and boy, it didn't disappoint. Another wonderful video as always.
@@kraigadams Yeah, the view of Dart Glacier was stunning, as was the panorama from Cascade Saddle. In our 19-year-old recklessness, we even climbed onto the glacier and walked down a good bit 😅
I liked the less social videos, they were truly astonishing, this playfulness is good if you like it (do what you like obviously) but the others were magnetic, daring and original
While I love that you're being and enjoying being social, i do agree with the few comments saying they miss the background music. I work in a nursing home and play your videos in the background while i work with my patients. Your vids have sparked conversations and good memories for many people. The talking and lack of music in this video gave everything a different vibe, making it more difficult for people to connect and immerse in the visual experience.
Great to see you finally getting to experience the wonderful tracks (tramps) of my favorite trekking destination - NZ! I still remember the night I spent up in the Casscade Saddle - crossing over from the majestic Matukituki vally to the Rees valley - way back in 1998... It was the best night in a tent I ever experienced, with blocks of ice from the glacier across the valley crashing down the cliffs during the night with thunderous sounds. Keep up the good work - it is such a treat following your adventures!
Nice! I attempted this while studying abroad in Australia. A long winter blocked the pass and I ended up stuck at the first hut for 3 days. Had to turn around and hitch hike back to Glenorchy.
Another amazing video!! Absolutely feeling inspired to go for a hike in NZ after watching this. Fascinating sceneries. Thank you for sharing these beautiful adventures of yours with us, Kraig!🙏🏼🇳🇿
Me & my hiking buddy from NZ were so excited to see these come out and the looser style is great! Glad you had fun and am looking forward to the rest :)
Awesome ! Rees-Dart was the first hike I ever did in NZ . It was the early 90's , pre digital devices , so all l I have is a few photos .Great to see it again . Thank You for posting . Cascade Saddle is one of my favourite spots in NZ along with close by Liverpool Hut and Nelson Lakes NP . I agree with JamesLW86 regarding the Great Walks . I have done a few just to tick them off but they can be very crowded and a far cry from any sort of wilderness experience . Beautiful though . The hut system is great especially if its wet but have fallen out of love with relying on them . My last few trips I have taken the tent for a bit of peace and privacy .
yo! came here from elina's video! so different! xD i usually am not a big fan of creator collaborations in general as they tend to feel like promoting each other and have no value in terms of content. but this one was really nice and normal and had good vibes. i didnt know your channel. its different but i like it too! subscribed.
Yay you are travelling my country! I can't wait to see what hikes you plan on doing! I travelled the south island last year and the rees dart track was on my bucket list but I just didnt have enough time to do it.
Great shots. The video feels like a big departure from the videos that put you on the map. Its hard to adjust but I haven’t watched your videos in a while. I think i find the messing around silliness which is so different to the vibe of the landscape. A tale of two vibes. Some lovely shots and good talk at the end.
Ah yes, used this track when we visited the dwarves in the glittering caves. Stopped by old Isengard too. It’s a shame you couldn’t film that, with the restrictions at all. Highly recommended journey!
Speaking of gourmet cooking, I bikepacked up the coastlines of Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver Island. With my JetBoil MiniMo, I supplemented my Mountain House freeze dried meals with Knorr side dishes, adding canned tuna or chicken, cheddar cheese, broccoli, and, my favorite, Hormel bacon bits available in a plastic jar that, like cheddar cheese, does not need to be refrigerated if the bacon bits are used up in a few days.
👏Nice video Kraig. I prefer this type of video more. Like you said, it's more loose and fun. Also cool to see what other's are cooking, stuff like that. Bro she had the whole spread and all you had was the plain ramen. Can't wait to see Elina's version! 👍
Hopefully you'll see this. Love your content. I had a paid subscription to your account through YT but I no longer see the join option and received an email saying it was canceled. Do you have a patreon or any other paid sub? Your hikes are a massive inspiration for me so I really like to support channels that inspire me directly.
Kraig - Your hiking video's are simply outstanding and the best around! I've been following your work since I saw you in a GaryVee video many years ago. I can't remember if you were in his office during a filming of dailyvee or what it was. I show your longer hiker video's in my classroom while my students are working on projects, etc. They love it and now ask me all the time "Can you put on that hiking guy?" HA HA. Anyway love what you do and thanks for sharing!
the hobbits the hobbits to isengard to isengard 🎶 (amazing video as always, with elena!! this feels like the perfect youtube hiking crossover, love it)
I remember coming across your first video a few years ago (Solo Hiking in Iceland) and since then I've enjoyed every cinematic masterpiece you've released! Absolutely stunning channel!!!
Interesting! Last October, as I strolled along the beautiful Blue Spring walkway near Taupo, an idea suddenly crossed my mind: If Craig were walking here now, how would he record and represent these peaceful and stunning views in NZ? Would he ever travel to here someday? And now, here you are! (although you have returned to NY this moment)
You picked a great walk to do, simply because its not a great walk. Over tourism has really ruined the country compared to when I was a kid growing up here. Its really difficult to book the great walks and expensive. Oh well I guess we have to share the natural beauty with the world. ps Sorry about the sand flies haha.