Hiking the Rees-Dart Track in New Zealand

[@JamesLW86]

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'.

[@paveltvrdy5030]

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!

[@rebeccawambua3759]

Ohhh I didn't realize that. Just did Kepler and Routeburn last week back to back. Greatest experience ever.

[@soejrd24978]

I'm going on my first ever solo trip in a few days. You've been a big inspiration to me over the last years. I'm scared shitless but let's gooo

[@zozobra226]

first is always scary, second will be exciting, third will turn this into a habit. happy self discovery and all the best

[@oneworldfamily]

Take care, matey. But I really hope you enjoy it. Once the mind calms down it's heavenly.

[@shawnanwo]

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.

[@johnwenban9799]

Nothing to be scared about. Soak it up!

[@Vaelin223]

Good luck out there in the wild comrade

[@mokies]

Thanks

[@mokies]

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.

[@clarkmadrosen1780]

I like your solo hikes much better😊

[@YiHsuanWei]

+1

[@jmdazsol]

+2

[@amazon7891]

+3

[@WannaKamaka]

Agreed! The talking and playing in this one was so distracting.

[@sequoiasemperviren3163]

Thank you and bless you Kraig for sharing the joy we old folks cannot experience.

[@SimonInSanDiego]

I loved Elina’s PCT videos. You two are my favourite hikers, glad you did a hike together. 👍

[@OutdoorsmanDave]

Enjoyed the informative chat, and have been following Elina for a year now, enjoy both styles.

[@joshuakosiba2640]

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.

[@EduardoBifulco]

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

[@fernando-kw]

Like always, outstanding video! greetings from Spain!

[@hsnozgr]

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!🙏🏼🇳🇿

[@LucasTJahn]

My favorite hike in all of New Zealand. Did a 5-day version of this in 2012. Absolutely brilliant views. Cannot wait to return and do it all again 🥾

[@kraigadams]

5 days sounds good especially if you got to see Dart Glacier. NZ has good huts so not so bad with extra time

[@LucasTJahn]

@@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 😅

[@ponyrang]

I liked the video very much, thanks you for sharing, stay safe, stay blessed

[@pinireisman7348]

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!

[@eowynaldridge]

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 :)

[@bnpp]

Good see you our country awesome video

[@kyla8555]

Such a good vibe.

[@thechanchanman9994]

absolutely love the vibe and different style of this video, had a smile all the way through watching it, hope you do more like these!

[@dougweaver9148]

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 .

[@oneworldfamily]

Not jealous, oh no precious! But envious? Yes precious, we is envious!

[@ToblerX]

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.

[@matthewarant377]

YES YOUR FINALLY IN NEW ZEALAND. THE PEAK OF ALL LANDSCAPES ON EARTH.

[@Vibraniuum]

Always a treat watching your video's 🤌

[@simpleprelude]

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.

[@ryanbhangdia]

nice one, this looked really fun!

[@Tailorhartman]

damn I'm literally hiking a portion of this next week! Looks so nice.

[@willpalmeer]

Stoked to give some to tips for a few different things, glad you had a good time man

[@VelcorHF]

Really cool hike. Looking forward to more New Zealand.

[@Leivmealone1717]

2 of my favorite hiker/vlogger in one vid, wow

[@desireenoble9077]

We've been waiting so long!!!! Thanks for another video❤❤❤

[@bananarama3624]

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.

[@lukepaulson3428]

Such beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheSpanishmuscle]

Cool to see you made it to NZ

[@CaryMercer]

I'm glad you guys hiked the Rees-Dart Track. I agree, one of the best hikes in New Zealand. I look forward to the rest of your NZ videos brother.

[@TheNinjaPanda45]

Looking to 2024!! I enjoyed this type of video too!

[@rickmartinez3781]

I prefer the zen, quiet and solitude of your solo hikes.

[@salimmaamar4360]

Beautiful tour

[@giantbear829]

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.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Fantastic as always. Loved it.

[@robopecha]

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.

[@Zoomdak]

Looks like a great adventure with a fun crew. Nice change of pace from your silent solo to fun with a group!

[@RockyGoesHiking]

I like the social interaction in this one :) Also the fantastic scenery of course :D

[@johnmca5643]

Another fantastic video. Im liking these hikes when people join you. Im still hoping for a Greenland Artic Circle Trail hike video.

[@KobGoodJourney]

Wow! Just the cover of the video is very beautiful.

[@nawei6025]

Amazing walk, sorry I can’t watch it because this is the track I really want to do, so I don’t want to spoil it 😅. Well done 👍

[@angelicavis]

the hobbits the hobbits to isengard to isengard 🎶 (amazing video as always, with elena!! this feels like the perfect youtube hiking crossover, love it)

[@joshuastclairmusic]

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!

[@hikesaroundkyoto]

Beautiful country. Great footage as always.

[@Pythonzzz]

They're taking the Adams to Isengard!

[@arnaudparadis-hiare4641]

crazy how it look like french pyrenees :o ! love it mate !

[@rysrys5213]

Thanks😊

[@octavefable9202]

Liked the vibe of this one. Hope you can hike with friends more! A mix of these in with the solo's would be a welcome change

[@relaxingtravel-LosAngeles]

drone not allowed? I might of missed on the video.. Drone intros have a nice hook... but understand if not permitted.

[@NoeticEidetics]

I’m watching this without volume while listening to the Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack. Good vibes.

[@kadeeeartiaga]

I immediately clicked it when the notif showed up!

[@ArtGardenFoodExpressions]

who cares

[@paisleyfamily5972]

Wonderful

[@kodithebear]

Welcome to NZ.

[@kembaraalas]

Nice Shoot and view....

[@JulieGayheart]

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!

[@KillerTacos54]

New Zealand is criminally underrated, thanks for making a video!

[@hclarke116]

Glad that you finally got there ._)

[@Maxi-333]

Awesome! You inspired to do the West Highland Way, Can't wait to get out to NZ haha

[@りゅうきち犬]

なんて、美しい景色❗❗ 死ぬまでに、僕もこんなところをトレッキングしてみたいです✨

[@whyserious9082]

awesome dude

[@LunaDuan-ky5yo]

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)

[@Morinote]

nice work. so beautiful

[@sequoiasemperviren3163]

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.

[@harukay2503]

No way you're in New Zealand! It'd be funny to spot you out in the wild in my backyard. Loved the video

[@yulikrisbudiyanti7732]

amazing view with varies track. oneday you may visit and try Bromo-Semeru at East Java-Indonesia.

[@patrickryan3277]

Craig as a fellow dog owner, what tips do you have for doing these big hikes when you own a dog.

[@Naafun]

Gimli did a great job keeping up with those elves.

[@kaniwanderlust]

How long have I waited😍? All your videos are so calming😇, I watch and admire them. I hope in the future I will also travel and make videos like this.🥰

[@eddiewoowanderlust947]

👏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! 👍

[@danielkurz4468]

Is Kraig back in NYC and not in Colorado? Great video as always.

[@grannypaula8199]

yes!

[@tukrazanur]

one day i'll come to this trip around Middle-Earth in New Zealand

[@DanHaneveer]

Tasmania, Western Arthurs Traverse, I think its up your alley.

[@watch-Dominion-2018]

you didn't bring any Lembas?

[@noosarider]

Nice vid - although it is late Spring at that time. Summer starts in December 1st

[@ytubechannel997]

Couldn't get to the end of this one. Missed the focus on the landscape and solitude.

[@ervinslens]

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!!!

[@LineDogs]

You guys never made it to Cascade Saddle?

[@wayneclark9733]

by summer the huts are packed there.... 60 people in the 30 bunk dart hut...

[@PMR]

this was a nice mix to the hiking videos, keep them coming and can't wait for these next videos :)

[@ElinaOsborne]

Round 2, 2024 😈

[@malvasia17]

I am so jealous 😢

[@claravonessen5673]

Reaaaaally enjoy these more social videos! Great shots, edit, amazing, Kraig ;)

[@bipankarki4741]

❤❤

[@wavebend1474]

how does new zealand's scenery compare to other countries you've hiked in?

[@watch-Dominion-2018]

what laptop do you use for editing?

[@TheCulturalBomb]

Wish Kraig uploaded more.

[@Assasshin4544]

No more 720p 60fps? :(

[@bevinmore]

No drone shots?

[@johnwenban9799]

No drones permitted in NZ national parks

[@aayushsuman4592]

I want to hike with you one day man.

[@jeremys6631]

Oh I hope you have Simon on your list and can convince him to do collab.

[@simebaricevic2483]

Frodo, Sam and Gollum 😄

[@ross1972]

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.

[@robqwert2696]

So where are they taking the Hobbits?

[@BenMCornell]

I like

[@tylerwhitney3443]

Ultralighters are clones. It's crazy the sameness of gear and clothing