Winter Solo Camping in Freezing RAIN & SNOW

Come and join me for an adventurous journey, backpacking and camping in the rain and snow, in the New Zealand mountains. It was just starting to snow when I headed up the mountain for a steep climb into the bush. Just on the bush line I found a perfect spot to pitch my tent and create a shelter out of the driving rain and snow using my Stoney Creek tarp. The Exped Venus 2 tent stood up to the driving sleet and wind, and stayed rock solid. It was absolutely freezing but my warm campfire made for a cosy camp, and enabled me to cook a delicious dinner. It was an early start and a walk under head torch in the early dawn to a special spot for views across the mountain range. This trip was incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and will never forget it. I really hope you enjoy it too.
A big thank you to all of my channel supporters, subscribers, and Super Thanks contributors. I appreciate all of the lovely encouraging comments. It is great to have a community for awesome people to share my adventures with.
Cathy
My Camping gear:
Green Tent: Exped Venus 2 Tent
Orange Tent: Freedom Zempire Atom single person tent
Brown Tarp: DD Hammock Superlight Tarp
Orange Tarp: Stoneycreek Drone tarp
Ultralight Camping Chair: Helinox Chair Zero ultralight hiking chair
Hiking Mat: Exped Synlite camping mat
Sleeping Bag: Sea to Summit Trek 2 sleeping bag
My Filming Gear:
Phone: iPhone 13 Pro
Action Camera: GoPro Hero 8 Black
Camera: Sony a7iii
Lens: Tamron 20mm 2.8 iii
Wireless Mic: DJI Mic
Tripod: Manfrotto Mini
#newzealand #NZBUSH #campingsolo #solotenting #tenting #snowcamping #hiking #tramping #nz #adventure #adventureot #campingwithdogs #dog #campinginthedrivingrain #rainontent #adventure #campingsolo #rainontarp #campingsolo #campinginsnow #campingsolo #adventurouscamping #stoneycreek #helinox

[@markexpose6108]

Hi. BEAUTIFUL. GORGEOUS. SCENERIES. LANDSCAPE. AWESOME. HIKING. CAMPING.

[@adventureot]

Thank you

[@stevenrussi5973]

Nice "plow point" tarp shelter. Yes you get to communicate to the whole world through You Tube and we are listening so you are not alone. You also make great fires. Miss Indi but she'll be back.

[@adventureot]

Thanks Steve. It’s true, when I know there are people that enjoy and appreciate the camps I really feel like I am sharing the experiences as I have them. Im always thinking ‘they’ll love this view’ or ‘they’ll appreciate that fire’ and I don’t feel ‘lonely’ even though I’m alone 🙂

[@eld406]

Thanks! Spectacular morning views with breakfast! It is obviously a lot of hard work to film those amazing snowy mountain peaks and capture the colorful sunrise skies. The silent beauty is definitely pure OT. It is much appreciated. Maybe this can help you get some hand warmers for your gloves or a patch kit for the tarp😃. Thanks again for a wonderful camping adventure!

[@adventureot]

Oh THANK YOU Ev! That is very kind of you. Yes I think I will try a patch for now and see how I get on. Glove warmers sound like a great idea, I seem to be one of those people whose hands and feet get really cold really easily so I have to watch that. I am so glad I made the effort to walk up to my breakfast spot. It was hard work pulling myself out of my sleeping bag but I am so glad I did.

[@paulwhittle6728]

Hello again Cathy, so wonderful to watch you out and about again, you do produce some really heartwarming content and it's really comforting to watch, thank you. When I can afford to I'll send you a few 'Bucks' towards the 'Fancy Agawa Folding Saw Fund', or just buy yourself some food instead if you'd prefer. Regards from Aylesbury UK to You, Hubby, Kids and a big waggy Tail to 'Indi' as well. keep well.

[@adventureot]

Hi Paul. Thanks so much. 'Heart warming' is high praise. I am so glad that you enjoy watching. That is my hope, that people will feel uplifted. Those Agawa saws look amazing, and I see a review on their website from Josh James, The Kiwi Bushman, who is a hard core outdoorsman here in NZ. If he rates them they will be great. Thanks again, Cathy

[@johncausey8519]

Great video! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@adventureot]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@edwardabrigo1590]

Greetings from Corpus Christi, Texas

[@adventureot]

Hi there 👋 thanks for watching

[@aaron.gray1512]

Just sat down to watch what will be, no doubt, another great video. 😊

[@adventureot]

This one was a real blast. Freezing cold, but lots of challenges and a cosy camp. I hope you enjoy watching.

[@louisesilverstein2152]

You must be in incredible shape! You were just huffing it going up that steep trail!

[@adventureot]

haha, yes it is certainly a good way to stay fit. The best part is I enjoy it so much so I forget how hard I am working.

[@johncrosio4380]

Thanks Cathy for another great video. The views from the top were awesome.

[@adventureot]

You are so welcome. So worth the effort to get up there for those views! Winter is beautiful.

[@Solosouls06]

Beautiful views and great camp...love seeing winter when we are summer...well backbwhen you filmed this anyway....thank you

[@adventureot]

Thanks 😊

[@vallygurney7193]

Thanks

[@adventureot]

Vally you are so incredibly kind. Thank you so much. This means a lot to me and I really appreciate your generosity. I hope you are enjoying the videos and continue to in the future. Cathy

[@aussiedonaldduck2854]

G'day, "Thanks to all the people, PEOPLE?" I've been mis species'ed! It's DUCK! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Loved the snow, I have been camping many times in cold weather with the little ducklings but never had snow, not much chance here in Queensland though it does happen in the mountains

[@adventureot]

Oh no! My bad, apologies 🤣 🦆

[@GlennO1961]

Fantastic trip. Fantastic video. 👍

[@adventureot]

Many thanks!

[@tleej26]

Fabulous video, really relaxing and enjoyable which comes from your narration style - your breakfast spot was amazing!

[@adventureot]

Thank you! What a lovely thing to say. I appreciate it a lot 🙂

[@ashleylovestennis6476]

You are a very brave woman to be doing all this. In Australia a woman would not be safe to camp alone in remote places. We have too much crime here. I love your show.

[@adventureot]

Thank you. In reality I am only a tiny bit brave, but an awful lot wise, cautious and well prepared. It's hard to strike a balance but I am trying to live more and fear less.

[@AmandaBrooks-ey8mg]

Thank you Cathy for another stunning video....enjoyed it whilst having breakfast this morning here in the UK and as you know it’s summer here, but you made me want to reach for a blanket 😂. I love the seasons too, so it’s great to enjoy yours!

[@adventureot]

Great that you enjoyed it. I’m so pleased! I agree, the seasons are great, something to enjoy in each one, even if it’s just it coming to an end 😂

[@blackydon]

Absolutely amazing. Not a fan of the cold so wouldn’t cope very well. Stay safe.

[@adventureot]

Thanks 😊 that’s the great thing about watching others brave the cold 🥶 you can enjoy it and keep toasty warm 😄

[@blackydon]

@@adventureot This is very true.

[@WimpyWorkouts]

So mesmerizing and you're Accent is awesome 😍

[@adventureot]

Thank you! 🙂

[@sidneyk4721]

Thanks for sharing great video as always. I give you a lot of credit for camping in the cold but can see it is completely worth it as those views are amazing.

[@adventureot]

Thank you.

[@jacqueline7118]

Your part of the world is wonderful! Love the idea of grass feed, free range meat. I don't eat a lot of it but quality is important, as well as humanely raised. Thanks for sharing. :) :)

[@adventureot]

You are welcome Jacqueline! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 🙂

[@rosiew895]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventures with us Cathy. Such a beautiful location - the snow looked amazing.

[@adventureot]

Thanks Rosie. The walk up to the top was well worth it. Just magical in the early morning light 🙂

[@linnlow16]

Super thanks for another great video Cathy. ^^

[@adventureot]

Ow wow 😁 thank you so much!! That is very kind of you. I will put it to great use and let you know what I spend it on. Definitely a treat for Indi, and more 👍

[@stanandpatsaas2422]

i like that you answer everybody - so many don`t

[@adventureot]

It’s the benefit of a relatively small channel 🙂 I love reading the comments and responding to people. No channel without the people.

[@chrisyoung4384]

Another great video and one of my favorite spots. I could feel how cold it was when watching you up the mountain..I bet that porridge tasted great and warmed you up.

[@adventureot]

Oh my gosh yes, the porridge was incredible. The coffee was cold in 0.3 of a second 🥲 by the porridge was so warming.

[@Alfie127]

Great video. Cheers!

[@adventureot]

You are so welcome 🙂

[@nvm6078]

Thanks for all your hard work on these videos. It's much appreciated.

[@adventureot]

You are so welcome Chad. Thank you SO VERY MUCH for the support.

[@graciesizemore1152]

Love the snow in the forest. The wind always seems to make things colder. You had plenty of wood for the fire. Keep the videos coming

[@adventureot]

Thanks Gracie, yes I felt like a little kid seeing snow for the first time. I always feel that way. It is pretty magical. Oh yes, the wind chill was nasty! It always seems to be the wind that really makes it feel cold. Thanks for the support.

[@MajrPayneNurAss2714]

I haven't seen a fresh vid of camping in a while. Thank You.

[@adventureot]

That is such a lovely thing to say, thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@davidblackwell3788]

I get more snow in my home area but never tire of seeing the first snowflake of the year! Love the joy you bring to your camping experience. By the way I subscribed to your channel.

[@adventureot]

Thanks so much. I imagine snow gets old after awhile where you are, but it’s nice to hear you still enjoy those first snowflakes. Here we have to work hard to get to snowy places so being somewhere when it is actively snowing is quite a treat, even if it is a rather pathetic excuse for snow 😂

[@wolfinfl]

Totally enjoy ur vidios thou it is vicariously from Florida USA ! So totally unassuming as opposed to others. Please show us more of ur beautiful country. I've only seen 1.5 days in Christ Church in passing thru. My concrats to the NZ Women's Soccer Team in their effort in the World Cup 2023.

[@adventureot]

Thank you, we are proud of their effort. Im glad you enjoyed the video. It will be a whole lot warmer where you are at the moment.

[@sharonr7500]

Hi Cathy, Many thanks for another video. The views from the top of the mountains were stunning, Looking forward to seeing more from you providing the conditions are safe for you to go camping. Best Wishes from Australia

[@adventureot]

Thank you for the support and encouragement. I’m looking forward to the next adventure too!

[@johncrosio4380]

Thanks!

[@adventureot]

Amazing 🤩 thanks so much John!

[@Canberra_advrider]

I loved what you said at 4:45…❤ Thank you for the effort you put into bringing us with you on your trips.

[@adventureot]

Ahh, cheers, it’s hard to know whether people appreciate my reflections or not, so thank you.

[@mandylenza9814]

Hi cathy, been catching up on all ur previous adventures, i love AB camping and now ur channel. This last week or so its been very hot and humid and gross. Today was 90° F (32° c) and hotter tomorrow. So kinda jealous ur in the winter months.

[@adventureot]

Thanks Mandy, I’m so glad you are enjoying the channel. Gosh that is super hot in your neck of the woods 🥵

[@bmarie8939]

Hi there from Sacramento, California. I just came upon your channel and I love it. I just subscribed.😊

[@adventureot]

Welcome, thanks so much!

[@lindacano437]

I always enjoy your videos. I so wish I was there with you. Conversations with you would be amazing. I could learn so much. I'm right there with you on the weather. I'm from Florida and while it was lovely, I thoroughly enjoy the change of seasons. I moved to Ohio in May of 1990, and moved to Kentucky in March of 2020. While this city appears to be rather unfriendly, it is very heavily populated where I live in Louisville. It would be nice to have a friend here to chat with, but life doesn't always work out that way. At least I get to watch lovely people like you and live experiences through you. Thank you so much. 😀 Also, Gorilla tape is wonderful on things like your tarp.

[@adventureot]

You are welcome Linda. I’m happy to share these places with you. If m so glad you enjoy the videos 😄

[@jamesmccaghren3711]

💙

[@jodyreay733]

Your smile makes me happy! So genuine! We enjoy your content and the fun you have! ❤️❤️

[@adventureot]

Thank you Jody. I am glad that comes across. I know it is easy to say and hard to do, but I genuinely just want to be myself and share a slice of outdoor life with others. I think we all need more uplifting content on line. The world can be a great place!

[@joycechantrill8617]

Brilliant videos, wish I was that brave. Do you take anything with you for protection.? Your family must worry, but keep trekking!

[@adventureot]

Actually in New Zealand there is little to be worried about in the outdoors as we don't have wild predators to factor in. I am very well planned and prepared. I don't think my family worry at all (lol). Thanks for watching.

[@kathyskidmore1877]

❤ I love snow! Thank you for sharing

[@adventureot]

You are welcome, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate it.

[@markperry222]

Great video thanks. I love the way you tell us what you are about to do and then give us the reason why you are going to do it, or do it a certain way. It is those little nuggets that are extremely informative and helpful. Thanks again, I just subscribed and hit the notification bell.

[@adventureot]

That’s awesome. Thanks for subscribing Mark. I really hope you will enjoy all the future adventures.

[@paulkennedy5021]

Good morning Cathy. Yeah, I’m enjoying summer here in the Northern hemisphere. 12C and the promise of torrential rain later…but…it’s good camping weather 😀. Looking on the bright side, once you have damaged your tarp, you stop being precious of it and stop worrying about stray branches or sparky fires. Great views.👍🏻

[@adventureot]

Hi Paul 😆 yes torrential rain sounds perfect for camping. I like your reasoning with the damaged tarp. Good point 👍

[@stevejohns6942]

Just watched your video very good, your overall presetation is fantastic. Looked very cold there just like Southern Australia where i live. Keep those videos coming. Rgds Steve.

[@adventureot]

Thanks Steve. Hoping to keep the videos coming, although I must say it is rather miserable outside my window right now and the house is toasty warm and my feet are well and truly up (lol).

[@aaron.gray1512]

Another great video. I might look at going there myself in the next few weeks. It looks like a great place to stop at. Please put this towards getting your tarp repaired. I had something similar happen to a tent I once owned, but I only found out when it started raining. Keep up the great work!! Miss seeing Indi.

[@adventureot]

Thanks so much Aaron, that is very kind of you! So appreciated. Hope you enjoy your trip when you get the chance to head up there! That whole area if full of great spots and adventurous scenery. You really can’t go wrong which ever way you head. Enjoy.

[@birdingtrip7101]

The absolute best! Great job and perfect for a hot Independence Day here in Florida. Thank you. Well done.

[@adventureot]

Happy Independence Day! Thanks so much for the encouragement! I am glad you enjoyed the video. Cathy

[@harshitsingh6743]

❤😊

[@adventureot]

Thank you 😁

[@Peac31363]

Hiya 👋🏽 Just the other day when I was watching 'Tony & Bruno[' RIP BRUCIE] 🙏🏼 I realized U hadn't posted a Vid. Happy to c U bck! Another ENJOYABLE VID 😉 Missed ' INDI Tho. Keep 'em coming. 💯 P.S. Yes, I was giggling when U spoke abt the Snow. Being frm the STATES , SNOW isn't my Fav thing. We get Tooooo much. Till then ✌️😎

[@adventureot]

Thanks. I missed Indi too, although I’m glad I didn’t bring her on this one. I think she would have been so confused by the snow and ice and not wanting to hang around in the cold like her crazy mum 😁

[@spinbains]

Greetings from West Chester, OH - Cathy, it’s an enjoyable education on the varieties of tarp setup. Give Indie a pet & scratch from all of us when you get back home❤

[@adventureot]

Thanks so much Linda. I have showered her with hugs, kisses and scratches, she says thanks too. he he

[@chrislonsberry1974]

Great video Cathy! It’s the 4th of July here in the States, I’m in Muncie Indiana, and it’s very loud here tonight with fireworks. I don’t know if the noise bothers Indi but my dog is definitely not a fan. So wishing we were on that mountain top with you. The peace and quiet would be welcome!

[@adventureot]

So many dogs dislike fireworks don’t they. Indi though isn’t bothered by fireworks or thunder fortunately. The vacuum cleaner hmmm 🤔 now that’s another story 😱

[@stanandpatsaas2422]

i think your soooo freezing and can`t wait to get back to the car - if not well you look frozen!!!

[@adventureot]

😂 yes I was freezing and keen for the warmth of the car but torn at the same time as didn’t want to leave the beauty of the spot I was in.

[@sannawald824]

Love how you show the landscape, your adventures are beautiful. That one looked really cold, - it is a hot summer in Europe here! My first reaction was - someting must be wrong with the date, there is snow,- but then I remembered.😅🙂😊

[@adventureot]

Thanks for the lovely comment. So glad you enjoyed the video🙂

[@richardmarcic2483]

Just a suggestion, your very prim and proper! Loosen up!😊

[@adventureot]

😂 you have to be joking! It’s taken me 46years to perfect my personality and I’m very happy being myself! But thanks anyway 😉 for the suggestion

[@Ottedikkie]

Could you maybe in the description mention where you camped? I live on the other side of the world in the Netherlands and I like to look it up on maps or Earth. I know you said it a few times, but I couldn't make it out

[@spinbains]

Cathy will more than likely respond, but if you turn on CC(Closed Captions) @ 2:14 she explains she is in Arthur’s Pass National Park in New Zeeland

[@adventureot]

Thanks Linda

[@adventureot]

Hi Moi, I like to do the same when I watch others. If you search up Woolshed Hill, Arthur's Pass, New Zealand you will see the exact route/spot I went to. Such a gem. Not a long trip for such a great mountain experience.

[@Ottedikkie]

@@adventureot thank you!

[@Ottedikkie]

@@spinbains ofcourse! I didn't think of that. Thanks

[@jadejaslarz8019]

Hey! What do you use to edit your videos? They come out good 👍

[@adventureot]

Thanks for that. It is a lot of hard work, way harder than the trip itself 🤣. I use Adobe Premiere Pro. It’s fiddly and complicated but with patient learning I am starting to explore some of the potential that it has. Sticking to the basics for now and trying to learn a new technique each time I edit. Lots of fun!

[@evelynb2644]

Wonderful views...enjoyed your video..thanks for all the hard work...we are sweating over her in South Carolina U.S.A. ...100 degrees Fahrenheit 😮

[@adventureot]

So glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@waynemccuen8213]

What's up with that yellow bit of plastic or whatever it is tied up in the branch at the 5:34 time stamp?

[@adventureot]

Wow you are super observant 😂 I had to slow it down and zoom it in to see what you meant. That is a pest control marker to show conservation staff or volunteers where the ‘pest trapping tracks’ are through the bush. Traps are laid every 100m or so and ribbons tied to trees or branches are used to discreetly mark them out. I found this camp by following one of those markers off the main track 👍

[@waynemccuen8213]

​@adventureot I enjoy your adventures very much! Thank you for your efforts in recording them. I'm just starting into camping n love it. I will employ some of the things you do into my "adventures" as well. Thanks again!

[@adventureot]

Of course, you are so welcome!

[@tinaorr2723]

Stupid question: do your ears get cold wearing earrings? Mine do...

[@adventureot]

Ha ha, I have never thought about it so I guess the answer is no, but you've got me wondering about it now.

[@amberliteNZ]

Thanks

[@adventureot]

Hi Amber. Thank you so much for your generosity. I am blown away. I really appreciate it and will use it for something special. Cathy

[@I_love_cats12223]

Thanks!

[@adventureot]

Thank you SO much Hank. That is really generous and thoughtful of you and very very appreciated 🙂 Cathy