Tramping in New Zealand with Tiffany

Tramping in New Zealand with Tiffany

An island girl, an analog soul, and a five-day backpacking route through some of the most jaw-dropping terrain on earth.

The Trip: Tramping the Rees–Dart Track
Duration: 5 Days
Route: Rees–Dart Track
Style: Backpacking or “Tramping”
Meet the Ambassador: “Aloha — I'm Tiffany.
An island girl at heart from Okinawa, Japan, film photography, handwritten letters, coffee table books, and time spent outdoors — that's what brings me sheer joy and feeds my spirit.”
Five days of breathtaking, leg-burning, soul-filling views on the Rees–Dart Track in New Zealand — or as the Kiwis call it, tramping. "Tramping" is the local term for hiking or backpacking in the wilderness. The route winds through remote valleys, over high saddles, and across rivers that will absolutely soak your boots.

 

The Best Day: Rees Saddle on Day Two

At the three-mile mark, I was climbing one of the steepest sections of the route up to Rees Saddle — one foot in front of the other, hard-earned sweat making its appearance. And then, at the top: jaw-dropping, snow-covered peaks in every direction.

"I was amazed with how small I felt in that moment," Tiffany says. "The landscape became a tapestry of mountains and sky."

A Day in the Life on Trail

Every day on the Rees–Dart was a reminder of life's simplicity — unplugged, deliberate, and light.

Wake up to the rising sun.

Breakfast.

Walk.

Another meal.

Walk some more.

Hop into a freezing cold river.

Walk again.

Endless rounds of gin rummy.

Dinner.

Drift off as daylight met darkness.

Rinse and repeat.

"Each new section of the trail introduced new smells, sights, and sounds" "I knew what each day would bring, but every day was not the same."

Lessons Learned: Bring More Food. Go Outdoors Always.

By the end of the trip, hearts were full — bellies, less so. "Not a single day went by where I wasn't thinking about throwing back a cold milkshake and scarfing down some pizza." Pack light, but do not skimp on snacks.

Beyond the extra food lesson, the trip put an exclamation point on something bigger. "This adventure reminded me of the importance of spending as much time as you can in the great outdoors — on your worst and best days. It doesn't matter. Be among the trees, stars, clouds, rivers, and streams, always. This is where I feel the most alive."

"Be among the trees, stars, clouds, rivers, and streams, always." 

Why the Allovers?

The Rees–Dart Track is famous for two things: stunning scenery and very boggy, very wet terrain. River crossings, marshy meadows — your feet will be damp, nonstop. 

"I reached for my overalls every single day. They dried quickly and were honestly the best thing I brought on the trip."

 

They're built for movement and kept up with every demanding section of the route. 

 

Favorite Place Recently:

“New Zealand, obviously”

Next Dream Destination:

“Mongolia”

Go-To Order on the Road:

“Matcha. Matcha. Matcha.”

Thanks for sharing your adventure with us, Tiffany. We can't wait to see where your overalls take you next!

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