Nat grew up in Auckland, where the ocean is never far away and an escape from the city is only a short trip. You’ll often find her sea kayaking between islands and bays, searching for the perfect campsite, or stopping on the track to identify a plant or bird. She loves the small moments, like a pīwakawaka flitting alongside the group, and still dreams of exploring the remote forests and coastlines of Stewart Island/Rakiura on foot.
Natalie Nasrallah - Guide
Tell us about your hometown
I'm an Aucklander, and I'm happiest when there's a track ahead, water somewhere nearby, and something interesting growing, swimming, or flying past to investigate. I love that the ocean is never far away, and there are so many islands, bays, and stretches of coastline to explore. You can escape the city surprisingly quickly and find yourself somewhere that feels completely different.
What do you do when you're not working or hiking?
Sea kayaking is a favourite. I love exploring the coast and finding beautiful places to camp. Otherwise, I'm usually reading, trying to improve my skills at some sort of craft, or planning the next adventure.
How do you stay motivated on a long day on the trail?
Delicious snacks (have I mentioned that?) definitely help! A great conversation with the people I'm hiking with can make the kilometres disappear, too. And there's always something to look out for along the way. I love spotting flora and fauna and trying to identify what we find. It gives you a good excuse to stop and look closely at where you actually are, and there are some great apps to help with that these days.
Where in New Zealand would you still love to hike?
Stewart Island/Rakiura. It's right at the bottom of the country, and it's somewhere I still haven't explored on foot. There's something particularly appealing about its remoteness, forests, coastlines, and wildlife. I'd love to get down there and properly explore it one day.
What's a memorable wildlife encounter?
I love it when pīwakawaka (fantails) follow you along the track, flitting around and seeming to cheer you on. They're such entertaining little companions. Finding an eel in a stream is always special too. Sometimes the wildlife moments you remember most aren't the dramatic ones. They're the little moments when you stop, look into the water, or notice something moving beside the track.
What's your top tip for hiking in New Zealand?
Layers are great! New Zealand weather is always changing, so on any given day you should be prepared to be warm, cold, dry, wet, or quite possibly all of the above. Don't assume the weather you start walking in will be the weather you finish in. And pack good snacks.
Kiwi-Style Hiking
Great Walks
Hiking Tours
Alpine Hikes
Custom Groups
