6 Day / 130km Solo Wilderness Adventure Through Middle Earth

How you can support this film:
PayPal (One Off Donation)- www.paypal.me/scottysgonewalk...
Patreon- / scottysgonewalkabout
'Where The Wild Rivers Flow' is a film that chronicles my 6 day, 130km pack rafting and hiking journey through the remote South Island wilderness of New Zealand.
This project was fully self funded as well as being filmed, produced and edited by myself. If you enjoyed the film and would like to support it, you can make a one off donation via PayPal (www.paypal.me/scottysgonewalk...) or sign up to my Patreon ( / scottysgonewalkabout ) Any support is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
Follow me on Instagram- / scottysgonewalkabout
Gear List- www.walkaboutco.com.au/pages/...

[@jeffreyparke2708]

I have absolutely no complaints putting $10 down to see awesome content like this. We have to pay this legend back for all the amazing work Scotty puts out for free, he’s earned it.

[@Pink_Sky_By_Night_Adventures]

Me to, how amazing

[@KingofCrusher]

Well not for free, lol, I mean he makes some money. Not even close to enough though, dude needs to be full time making six figures a year because he rules so hard.

[@markoda2120]

Thank you for taking us along with you. Everything was friggin beautiful. It seems that the head wind was a blessing as you were able to hike through the forest. It also seemed like you paddled down river to the ocean, then paddled down river away from the ocean. The drone shots were spectacular. Sand flies are a pain all over our beaches too.

[@AppTrailerCodes]

How do you pay him from the states for this epic content?

[@8c3nwd22]

Thats NZ awesome dude well done really enjoyed watching your trip

[@The_stay_at_home_wizard]

I’m Australian born with no kiwi in my blood line and for some reason New Zealand is the only place I fly to and feel home. Lucky enough to have traveled there many times and one day it will be home.

[@darrellm9915]

There is no such thing as Aussie or Kiwi "blood". All of our ancestors were from Europe and elsewhere.

[@jeremytaylor3093]

Cool stuff. I lived in Sydney for many years and then in china for even longer but still the draw of Nz brought me back. See you out there!!!

[@willsmith3736]

Aussies are our cousins, you'll always be welcome here bro. See ya down the pub.

[@leannasty]

shut up@@darrellm9915

[@drumsandstix128]

Loved your vid mate, what a trip! Absolutely beautiful scenery, your awe of the beauty is tangible. I have had several moments like that when in the southern Alps. I don’t live in NZ anymore but I still go there at least once a year and love the beauty of the place. I am an Aussie now and live on the Sunshine Coast which is also a beautiful place. Good luck on your future adventures.

[@andrewcheshire244]

Pro tip, start a smoky af fire to get rid of the sandflies for miles around. Awesome video. Decided after watching this to do the same trip... in summer 2025.

[@TheDarkhorse82]

Hate to break it to you, but open fires are banned in 99% of that scenery you see in this video.

[@agustinhernandez7289]

Light up a few incense sticks… done

[@AussieLifestyle208]

Most underrated channel on KZbin

[@GB-cm6yy]

Absolutely spot on mate.

[@melissa1488]

How he had so many views but ppl can’t take the time to like the video is beyond me.

[@AussieLifestyle208]

@@melissa1488 exactly. Only like 130k subs aswell.

[@EamonWanders]

Put some respect on Scotty's name!

[@ashleyequestrian]

Hectors’s dolphins! Some of the rarest dolphins in the world and endemic to nz. So jealous

[@rakerawillison6118]

Fun fact - Māori name is Tutumairekurai 😊

[@chuddledollops]

I moved the South Island from the UK 7 years ago and started my family here. Now I have two little Kiwis who will get to enjoy all this. Best decision ever. Great video, love seeing the dolphins!

[@KongKillha]

Hi Scotty, I am a long time viewer of yours and when I saw the preview of this video, I immediately recognized the landscape and the views. My friend and I hiked the Hollyford Track back in 2017 on our New Zealand Trip (coming from Switzerland) - including the gnarly stretch called Devils Track which you leisurely paddled by on Lake McKerrow. On our last day we bumped into a Aussie bloke who was so generous and drove us back with his car from the Hollyford to Te Anau to catch a bus. The Aussie guy was packrafting the exact same route as you. This was the first time in my life that I saw and heard of a packraft! Seven years later and I see you being there - what a coincidence! Keep up the great work!

[@mudeye5739]

I've hiked the 'Devils Track' or Demon Trail and done the packraft trip and yes, the hike is brutality. The walk along the coast is very rugged though, I remember the shore having bowling-ball-sized smooth rocks that made my ankles roll a lot.

[@onlyonerombo]

Hey Scotty, Awesome trip and video. I’m from NZ and have been living in Aus for 30yrs. It’s hard to describe the feeling that comes over you when in the NZ wilderness. It’s like “Earth before Man.” Pure, Grand, and so Overwhelmingly Perfect, It can literally bring you to tears. Thank you ❤

[@GypsyGirl317]

It will have been nostalgic for you watching this huh. We are such a blessed little country. I love tramping in our wilderness. ❤

[@thegingerpowerranger]

Much prefer this long format, multi day mixed rafting & hiking with amazing views. Would definitely pay to view this kind of video regularly. Thanks for the upload & hope you can justify keeping making them!

[@DELTwith100]

10/10 for this video. Your footage is National Geographic worthy! The fact that you’re tired from a hike and still manage to film, drone and the rest makes you one of the all time 🐐 on KZbin I’ll always come back to watch mate. ❤👌🏽🙏🏆🔥

[@bronwynliaki5434]

Kia ora Scott. Man this was an awesome watch. Our whenua (land) is stunning to see through your lense. Traditionally Māori people used the Ngaio Leaves rubbed together and then rubbed on your body as a natural insect repellant. There is an oil that is produced when you rub the leaves together. 😊

[@mareef9617]

NZ separated from Gondwana roughly 80 million years ago in the time of the dinosaurs. Since then it has remained isolated from other landmasses and only birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and 2 species of bats (mammals) exist. The birds have evolved to fill every niche in the ecosystem. It is unique and a much larger country than most people think. I loved your film, wildly beautiful ... and yes the sandflies here are ferocious relentless little creatures. Traditional insect repellents are crushed manuka,kanuka or ngaio leaves 😊

[@thelostchapstick3281]

S tier comment

[@wrennossa2833]

yeah and all the introduced pests....possums, rats, stoats, ferrets, hedgehogs, pigs ect@@thelostchapstick3281

[@papajeff5486]

Or, don’t park your tent on the beach. Go up the hill, just a bit, into the protected forest. Find a level spot, under some trees. Look out for widow makers. The tree duff will be more comfortable. The trees will protect from the weather. And the sand flies/flees will not be there. Things that make you go, “Hmm”.

[@judylloyd7901]

​@@papajeff5486 ...fleas*...? And mosquitoes!!! 🦟!!!!😊

[@lolcatz88]

Are the sandflies bad in winter as well?

[@michaelgralike8886]

New Zealand is paradise on earth. I would move there tomorrow if my family would come with me. The most peaceful place on earth if you ask me. Such a great video the way you captured the landscape.

[@judylloyd7901]

Hah!! Any country has pockets of "peacefulness." But there is strife in New Zealand just the same as in every other country. After all, its inhabitants are human beings!!!!

[@ReeceLittle1988]

Chap from New Zealand here. I appreciate you, my Australian brother. I hope you return to New Zealand for my adventures.

[@hanfiball4136]

All this and not aven any ads. He just lets us come with him on those awesome adventures and doesn't expect anything back. I don't even know what to say

[@markwheeldon164]

One of your best Scotty. Great story telling and cinematography!

[@barrybr1]

O....M....G That was friggin' epic. "Embrace the suck!".....fair enough. Loved everything about this trip Scotty and that you weren't afraid to show your emotions at different points there. When you hike there's an interesting play between the hard, exhausting, painful effort and the realisation that you got yourself to a place of infinite beauty. Magic. Thank you so much.

[@irishedawg]

Scott, you have become an EXCEPTIONAL filmmaker my friend. It doesn't hurt that you have the most beautiful scenery at your disposal 😂 but the way you capture it is just beyond words.

[@deepsouthNZ]

My dad was a proud Queenslander in the 60s he came to the south of the south island and never left he loved this country. The forrest is similar to what you would find in Tassie

[@GypsyGirl317]

Tassie is one place I'd love to visit. Kiwi tramper here. 😊

[@deepsouthNZ]

Tassie is paradise

[@offgridgemstonesandmineral6562]

Tassie born and still here in the bush with views of a lake and mt Cameron behind....I'd love to visit New Zealand ❤

[@jasonedwardledburynewzeala9897]

Minus the things that want to kill you.🤣🤣🤣👊

[@carrier411]

@@GypsyGirl317 direct flights from ChCh and Akld now to Hobart!

[@dave-vl6nf]

I did that loop 34 years ago, it is one of the best trips I have done. We walked it all, of course, except for a jet boat ride down Lake Mckerrow. We also arranged for a plane to come in and land on the beach at big bay to drop us food for the second half of the trip. I think it took us 9 days altogether. It only rained once, from day 5 till day 9. I'm a lot fatter and slower nowadays but I reckon another lap might be on the cards, the packraft is a game changer.

[@dawsontatlow9911]

What loop is it called

[@cochbloch]

​@@dawsontatlow9911 hollyford river, Pyke river loop

[@carrier411]

it only rained once, haha, but the rain lasted 4 days!!!! love it.

[@JASHIKO_]

Nothing beats the South Island of NZ. Great video!

[@LEK]

Its beyond imagination how beautiful this country is. This video is perfect proof why NZ is my dream destination.

[@Wing_It_Wildflower]

No snakes, no spiders. No ants! Thaaat water! Shots all round! 😍 Congratulations on an epic and heavenly trip and film Scotty! WOW🙌 I might have to go and live in NZ. Nature baby😄👌

[@pressb]

The sand-flies though, they can beat you up.

[@Wing_It_Wildflower]

@@pressb Yeah, endurance sport! 😆

[@sonyavincent7450]

Lots of massive spiders actually, but not the sort that kill you.

[@meganmills5412]

We have ants they are more in the town and citys and parts of the bush

[@bree.bonnie]

@@meganmills5412nz ants are nothing compared to Aussie ants though. Ants in Aussie are huge and all bite 😩

[@anaheramitai1418]

That was an epic adventure, all those emotions you felt was what we call or describe as WAIRUA, spiritual healing, feelings, peace, harmonious. Nga mihi ...❤

[@zakimtshali8105]

New Zealand is truly a magical place

[@FishingBRO]

Good afternoon, thank you for the positive vibes!)) Undoubtedly, it's an amazing trip, just magnificent Nature of New Zealand and of course very positive content !))

[@Big_Daz]

New Zealand is such a picturesque, clean and amazing country. Just got back from my second trip over the ditch and I have to agree with Scotty it’s absolutely breathtaking! Love the longer content mate. Awesome stuff!

[@hornantuutti5157]

Amazing yes. Clean not so much. I suggest you read about that. But beautiful no doubt.

[@adamjoshuahughes3971]

Yeah nah on the clean part. Studying the environmental sciences obviously helps in this regard but yeah; in a river cleanliness test, the majority of them are riddled with pollution. Cutting down natives, and replacing with leeching farms and pinus monocrops keeps degrading it further. The way our small population (relatively speaking) and governments throughout the decades have treated the place is nothing short of despicable. West western govts. and civilisation as a whole takes a step back for once and lets the world breathe deeply again (like it did during lockdown for all to see) then and only then can she recover. It's time to stop seeing ourselves as somehow separate and better than nature, when in fact we are. We can only take so much from her as a species per year, not letting her replenish, before things start to fall apart (as has been pointed out by us scientists for a while now). SORRY for the lecture haha. Beautiful, yes (depending), clean? Sadly, definitely not (The Tourism industry and Agri (and fossil obvs.) being the biggest reasons

[@carrotsandrunning]

@@adamjoshuahughes3971 its all relative. The rivers in NZ for most part don't have traffic cones and burnt out cars in them. Which is better than my country.

[@dellamonk6792]

I LOVE how you appreciate the world around you. I love how you're present with the environment. It's clear you love what you're doing, and that it's not all about content. Thank-you for sharing your journey with us.

[@Fishergirl110]

What an absolute amazing movie! It honestly brought tears to me eyes on how beautiful that place is! The BEST video I’ve watched on KZbin hands down. Well done Scotty

[@needtokeepwalking]

Holly sh!t, almost 150k subscribers. I remember your original awkward vids and burning everything you cooked. Amazing watching you grow. Keep walking mate.

[@tomrounds]

Propabably one of your best videos Scotty. Doubtless down to the environment. But thank you from UK.

[@scottangel6462]

I don't know if I have the words to explain how I feel after watching this. I mean, my God this is absolutely breathtaking!! I have been a sub for several years now and love your adventures, but this is something completely epic and mindblowing!! Scotty, you have out did yourself on this one!! I also have to say, thank you for doing these videos, your work provides me with a chance to see places that I will never get the chance to see and experience. Damn fine work mate!!

[@cdgregOG]

Man, NZ looks absolutely epic. Thanks for honestly sharing the hardships too (blisters, exhaustion, etc.). Amazing.

[@deepsouthNZ]

Glad to see you finally made it mate, welcome glad you enjoyed our little corner of paradise

[@andyprice4696]

This was a work of art. One of the best videos I’ve seen on YT… Full stop. Really jealous of this trip. You earned this one. Pure overwhelming beauty!

[@annpaddison1240]

Put this down as your best trip ever mate :)

[@tracywilliams1264]

Don't foget to wash everything in hot water and dry it out. Don't want to bring didymo back to Australia. Great film.

[@kaiwairua7981]

Soak gear in 10%solution of dishwash for 10 mins or make sure everything is completely dry

[@letsgotohimalayas]

I am a solo traveller and wanna travel whole world one day solo and this video inspires and teaches lot things about survival thank you.

[@kaiwairua7981]

I really felt that moment you were having! The gratitude and connection you were having to the Wairua. That was a beautiful moment 💚

[@HandymanDanbrown]

Yup that’s the second time I’ve watched this 😎👌👌👌

[@gottabesometime6632]

Just 7 minutes into this Scotty...I thank you for showing most of us KIWI's what a beautiful country we have in our own backyard. Also, the joke of AUSTRALIA being the bigger brighter blah blah blah BROTHER of NEW ZEALAND is wiped away with your interaction with our country, THANKS FOR BEING an HONEST true blue AUSSIE respecting and appreciating us. KIA KAHA my Aussie mate.....and again you are welcome on our shores.

[@slatederwin6599]

Scotty gone walkabout alrite, niiice, I'll be over Aotearoa next week sleeping in my hammock living off the land

[@markmcdowall210]

the "IT" moment is one of the nicest expressions ive seen on film in years it must of been satisfying to go through your journey to earn that one moment in time

[@antonreyment8945]

The camera may not do it justice but it is still beautiful. Memories will last you a lifetime, and thanks to you I will remember them too.

[@parkiwi4787]

Thanks for reminding me how special my country is. Long time since I did all the New Zealand tracks. Seeing others enjoying what nature has given us makes me tremendously happy. Great video, wish I was with you.

[@darrylearnshaw7102]

Best part of the video? The mullet, it suits you mate 🤣🤣

[@EamonWanders]

Unbelievably epic Scotty, journeying to Middle Earth is something us adventurers all dream of.

[@leannasty]

hell yea

[@Andyb2379]

Scotty, thank you so much for taking me & my family on such a wildly beautiful trip. My family may never get to see this for yourselves being up in the UK. You’re an amazing film maker & storyteller. Have £10 on us mate & I hope it will help towards something you need. Cheers Scotty that was amazing. ATB the Bartlett Family.

[@Short_Trip_With_Me]

В Новой Зеландии очень красивая природа! Потрясающие виды! / Very beautiful nature in New Zealand 🤩 Just amazing views.

[@xbizi]

What a journey. Thanks for bringing us along, you absolute gigachad

[@shinji112]

NZ is a truly magical and very special place that will draw you back time and time again. Thanks for sharing your incredible adventure with us.

[@4x4andfishing]

Loved that! Went to NZ south Island and when my mates asked about it I said it is that beautiful that you can't take a bad photo

[@emf333]

I kept waiting for Scotty to be attacked by DINOS! 😂

[@Dark_knight1980]

So Happy you enjoyed our country and respected the land good to see people like you have a safe trip home brother💯👍

[@Valerious22]

Amazing video Scotty, you've got me hankering for a NZ hiking trip!

[@GypsyGirl317]

Do it! 😄

[@Drinkonthemoon]

Same same & I live here..this is something I have to do..planning starts tomorrow 👍🏽

[@Kiwitekediver]

Those bloody sandflies will drive you to madness lol. Great journey bro. Subbed 🤙

[@itscleah6483]

Watching this vlog makes me want to explore the world 🥺🥰❤

[@matthewjamison]

Dude. I love the guitar like no other. But these videos *REALLY* not only could do without it. But benefit. The natural world doesn't need a sound track

[@marionprovan3938]

Absolutely 💯 ❤loved this well done Scotty you make my life soo much better I can't walk but I imagine myself in this bit of heaven thank you x

[@mcledinnewsman2586]

Stunning views from every angle. Well done capturing this beautiful experience. Even more amazing is the lack of any other humans (unless they were edited out). Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Kia Ora.

[@SharkboySJS]

NZ is unreal! Adding to the bucket list. Cheers mate!

[@DottieStanley]

Beautiful trip! New Zealand is on my bucket list for sure! No bears! Yeaaaaaaaaaaaa!

[@jamesdouglas2943]

Being Māori from Aotearoa/New Zealand living in Sydney Australia I really appreciate your effort to do this bro. Awesome work..respect

[@tleej26]

Absolutely fantastic watching a film from Scotty about my own ‘backyard’. Well worth the wait and loved seeing how much joy - in amongst the sandflies - you got from your experience here. Thanks so much for sharing 🏕️🇳🇿

[@NormW64]

Wow! Oh - my - God! What a nice place on earth! 😍 Thanks for this amazing adventure!

[@agustinhernandez7289]

Hi Scotty, I even watch (more precisely, listen to) your adventures. I’ve seen so many films, that I can visualise where you’re at an what you’re doing. You’re my audio book. My wife thinks I’m crazy. Your voice, choice of music, passing sounds etc irs in my psyche since COVID. Ironically today is my very first time with COVID 😆😆😆… Your energy is very much cherished by me young man… Later I’ll be watching your beautiful style championing nature… 💫🙏🏿🙏🏽🙏🏻✨

[@catchbag1398]

Well done mate, and beautifully shot. Welcome to NZ, youve just scratched the surface 😊

[@karenhennessy9971]

All your videos are good but this one is absolutely brilliant. Well done!!

[@twentythree7889]

_Your GoPro 11 camera and Canon EOS R6 Mark II have a very nice picture_

[@1980nikolov]

New Zealand rocks! This movie too!

[@mudeye5739]

This brings back some memories, I did this trip back in 2019, one of my best experiences and the route is well-known in packrafting cycles. Very nicely filmed Scott, the seals travel up the lake and eat the trout at the mouth of the river.

[@SCoetzer]

What is the trail called? Love to do it. Please share details

[@jesswilson366]

Seriously epic. Amazing footage. Incredible- loved it. Hope baby is growing well and mumma is doing good.

[@theghostofkyiv9028]

Myself and a few of the lads are doing this trip now after watching this, what an inspiration my guy!

[@martinsitar6886]

What an incredible place, thanks for sharing this with us. Amazing cinematography, my fav video yet.

[@marktaylor8263]

God blesses and touches us with his beautiful work! What a fantastic float/hiking trip. Deer, dolphins, seals, and fantastic brown trout fishing. Beautiful country. Enjoyed this trip very much.

[@barney3053]

Man what a trip! Living the life, beautiful video man!

[@chrisgriffin5042]

Amazing Mate, thanks for taking us along.

[@Marie-ef6gw]

You brought me to tears with this scenic wonderland. Love your work Scotty.

[@robertperelman7359]

Absolutely gorgeous. I cannot thank you enough for your beautiful videos. It is better than I could have imagined

[@Teresa-mu4kw]

I thoroughly enjoyed all your content, it feels so good to call Aotearoa home❤ love your adventures, and take care of your feet please!

[@PerspectiveAustralia]

Just wow! We felt it all with you whilst watching your film. It’s a long time dream of ours to visit NZ. Thank you for telling your story.

[@timrees786]

This is the first of your videos the algorithm has recommended to me, and I'm so glad it did. No video will ever do such an unbelievable place justice, but yours must come close. Such an easy watching, well filmed and edited video, and a phenomenal expedition. Whole thing is unreal (except for the sand flies). Looking forward to going through the rest of the channel. Nice one mate.

[@outlawcountry6069]

What a great adventure man , I do the same type of trips in Western Canada . Nature is beautiful

[@jsuewrs135]

Can spot a defence member from a mile away. Nice video mate 👍

[@vykng4x470]

What a fantastic experience. Its amazing what nature has to offer with minimal impact from our modern human interaction. Truly inspirational 👏

[@ezzlaura9325]

Absolutely amazing Scotty, this is one of your best so far. Keep doing what you're doing. Thank you so much for exceptional content!

[@alittlewander]

What an amazing trip. The scenery was on point and so glad that you showed the tough days as well as the easy! Absolutely happy to shell out for this👌👍

[@mrgrogfather]

Some of the best waters in the WORLD ! Well worth the trip in any form !

[@alistairj4851]

Every time you panned the camera round to look into the woodland, I half expected a dinosaur to appear it looks so prehistoric and totally untouched by the mechinations of human kind. Simply gorgeous. How's the preparations for parenthood going. Hope you're not too nervous?

[@RodLittle]

Wow, fantastic trip and cinematography / story telling - Thanks

[@liamsaunders7851]

Yewww!!! A masterpiece adventure in every single aspect and then some! Scotty thank you for being you and showcasing another part of the world! That’s crazy how it was so short/spontaneous in booking flights etc! Please Don’t worry about if the camera captures the surrounds…your words, expressions, excitement and at times being speechless sets the scene and therefore sets the scene! I can, as I’m sure with others too, can resonate with those ‘it moment feelings’ It literally stopped me in my tracks and made me think back to a similar time. Keep smashing it up Scotty!! -Liam 🇦🇺 🤙🏿

[@GlobalTravelStories]

I used to guide on the Hollyford Track. I always wanted to pack raft this trip. You’ve inspired me to put it back on my list.. well done! Fiordland is majestic, except for the national bird (the sand fly). All the best mate!

[@Brain1962]

Scotty, your videos are all Epic, your presentations are getting better all the time, thanks so much for sharing your adventures!

[@MrMatt80s]

Happy to pay for this. It was awesome 👌 Thanks

[@jamesarnold3855]

Moving to NZ end of the year. Feel like I HAVE to do this. Thanks for the inspo mate

[@Rastafied]

As a Maori now living in Ireland, I really appreciate this video. I get to show my kids the beautiful place where daddy came from. I was raised in the Deep South so this hits home. Well captured mate. Thank you.

[@sakibomb01]

This brought me straight to tears with the absolute majesty that surrounded you the whole trip.

[@tamaashford7196]

Loved your video, first-time seeing it, lm kiwi and that's only a small part of New Zealand beautiful scenery.The whole country has magic scenery throughout ,❤

[@codybrown8624]

The smile I had watching this mate. Well bloody done what an awesome watch

[@MartinKillips]

I’m going to look into doing the same trip. It looks amazing. As an avid fisherman I think I’d lob out a spinner on the kayak as I paddle the lakes on the off chance I’d nab my next meal. Superb video and very inspiring.