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The Tramping Life

Jonty
New Zealand
Tramping
Tararua Ranges
Abel Tasman National Park
Aotearoa New Zealand
Climate Change
Tongariro National Park
Conservation
Kahurangi National Park
Nelson Lakes National Park
Auckland
Federated Mountain Clubs
Wellington
Hutt Valley Tramping Club
Inland Track
Huts
Te Araroa Trail
Mount Everest
Caving
Cape Brett Track

Conversations with people who share a deep love for exploring Aotearoa New Zealand on foot. From the well-trodden Great Walks to the rugged solitude of remote backcountry routes, our guests share their favourite hikes, huts, and hard-earned lessons from the track.

Whether you’re an experienced tramper or just curious about what makes hiking in New Zealand so special. The Tramping Life offers insp... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes53Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Places & TravelSociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Tramping Life

Latest Episodes

Robin McNeill is a long-time tramper, outdoor advocate, and two-time President of the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand. Robin is also the much-loved author behind Uncle Jacko’s Cookery Column in Backcountry magazine and has spent decades deepl... more

In this episode of The Tramping Life we explore six of the best urban walks in Wellington — a network of signposted routes linking ridgelines, bush reserves, parks, coastlines and historic sites across the capital.

In this episode I rank Wellington’... more

Kathy Ombler is a freelance outdoor writer, longtime contributor to Wilderness Magazine and FMC’s Backcountry, and someone who has spent decades learning the outdoors from the inside.

Kathy grew up on a Waikato dairy farm, discovered the mountains t... more

In this episode of The Tramping Life we head to Rakiura / Stewart Island for one of New Zealand’s most remote and demanding coastal tramps, the North West Circuit. This 125 km circuit follows the rugged northern coastline of the island through Rakiur... more

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Recent Guests

Kathy Ombler
Freelance outdoor writer and longtime contributor to Wilderness Magazine and FMC's Backcountry
Episode: Kathy Ombler - Writing, Outward Bound, and Learnings from the Outdoors
Peter Laurenson
Photographer, editor, outdoor writer; author of Occasional Climber, Khumbu, and Aotearoa Light
Occasional Climber / FMC Backcountry (editor)
Episode: Peter Laurenson - The Himalaya, Photography, and Rockfall
Derek Field
Chair of the Greater Wellington Backcountry Network, long-time hut and track builder/maintainer
Greater Wellington Backcountry Network
Episode: Derrick Field - Culling, Running, and Hut Building
Hazel Phillips
Author of tramping books, focused on Tongariro and New Zealand backcountry
Independent author
Episode: Hazel Phillips - Tongariro, Writing, and Secret Huts
David Norton
Emeritus Professor of Ecology at the University of Canterbury, leading New Zealand botanist
University of Canterbury
Episode: David Norton - Native Forests, Biodiversity, and Farming
Chris Maclean
Historian, writer, photographer, and passionate tramper
Author of Tararua, Story of a Mountain Range; co-author of Tramping, A New Zealand History
Episode: Chris Maclean – Tararuas, Publishing, and Nude Tramping
Eugenie Sage
Former Minister of Conservation and environmental advocate
Former Minister of Conservation, environmental advocate
Episode: Eugenie Sage - Conservation, Controversy, and Melting Jerseys
Alistair Hall
Wilderness Magazine publisher and editor
Wilderness Magazine
Episode: Shaun Barnett - A Wild Life
Robbie Burton
Publisher
Unspecified
Episode: Shaun Barnett - A Wild Life

Hosts

Chonty
Host of The Tramping Life; frequent guide and storyteller through NZ tracks and huts.
Jonty
Co-host and frequent interviewer; engages with guests and shares track insights.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 43 ratings
  • Enjoyable podcast on Tramping (hiking) in NZ

    Really well put together show about tramping in New Zealand. Candid interviews with all the big names. Just the right length.

    The short and punchy episodes covering tracks and Jonty’s experiences are all a good addition.

    Thank you for the special episode on Shaun Barnett. From where I am sitting I can see a couple of his books on my book shelf. Taken too early - should have been walking in the backcountry for many more years.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Eddie Groves
    Australia5 months ago
  • LOVING THIS

    Three insightful & very experienced interviewees so far these conversations are continuing to both stoke my fire for adventure and ask myself how I can do more to help take care of our wonderfully place

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rich hhhh
    New Zealanda year ago
  • Best tramping podcast

    Loved the enthusiasm of both Lou and Jonty. Lots of great stories and inspiration for my next tramp.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TCNZ00
    New Zealanda year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Well-produced episodes with enthusiastic hosts and compelling guests.
High-quality interviews with experienced tramper guests and strong on-site tips.
Loved the candid, practical tramping insights and hut-life stories.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Kathy Ombler - Writing, Outward Bound, and Learnings from the Outdoors
Q: You've been involved in trapping and restoration activities. How has that changed your perspective on bush?
Ombler says predator damage remains troubling, while community trapping offers a way to protect forests and birds and get people outdoors. She also supports larger-scale predator control and says volunteer work needs support from 1080.
Kathy Ombler - Writing, Outward Bound, and Learnings from the Outdoors
Q: So where did you grow up and what are your earliest memories of being in the outdoors?
Ombler grew up on a Waikato dairy farm, doing outdoor farm work, then moved to Auckland for table tennis and a bank job before enrolling in Outward Bound and discovering tramping.
Peter Laurenson - The Himalaya, Photography, and Rockfall
Q: What sparked your return to tramping after your early experiences abroad, and how did that influence your long-term path?
Returning to New Zealand and joining the alpine club, plus opportunities through the Tourism Board, helped shape a steady, programmatic path into tramping, climbing, and eventually photography and writing, turning personal interest into a lifelong vocation.
Chris Maclean – Tararuas, Publishing, and Nude Tramping
Q: How did publishing and technology change the way people access information about tramping?
He explains that before 2005 books were the definitive source, but the Internet and later AI dramatically accelerated access to information, shifting how people learn about tramping and diminishing traditional book sales.
Chris Maclean – Tararuas, Publishing, and Nude Tramping
Q: What are your earliest memories of the outdoors?
He recalls tramping Milford Track as a child and how those early trips, weather, and the rugged landscape set the stage for a lifelong engagement with NZ backcountry, eventually leading to his Tararua book and years of field research.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Tramping Life

What is The Tramping Life about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Listeners are drawn to practical, trail-focused conversations that blend route-by-route storytelling with broad outdoor culture in Aotearoa. Episodes cover detailed itineraries on famous and remote tramps, hut life, gear decisions, and safety, alongside deeper chats about conservation, climate action, and the people shaping NZ's tramping scene. Noteworthy is the mix of solo route guides, high-profile guest interviews, and heartfelt tributes to influential writers and explorers, which together create a grounded, community-oriented vibe that appeals to both seasoned trampers and aspiring explorers seeking actionable tips and inspirational narratives.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Tramping Life?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Tramping Life:

1. Tararua Fever
2. Sunday Morning
3. The Dom Harvey Podcast
4. Gone By Lunchtime
5. The Detail

How many episodes of The Tramping Life are there?

The Tramping Life launched a year ago and published 53 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Tramping Life?

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What guests have appeared on The Tramping Life?

Recent guests on The Tramping Life include:

1. Kathy Ombler
2. Peter Laurenson
3. Derek Field
4. Hazel Phillips
5. David Norton
6. Chris Maclean
7. Eugenie Sage
8. Alistair Hall

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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