Unforgettable Adventures in New Zealand

We headed to the place that many consider to be the adventure capital of the world - New Zealand. Keen to pack as much as we could into our two week trip, our travel itinerary included visits to some of the most popular lakes and waterfalls, and we couldn’t resist the temptation of scaling the second highest mountain in the North Island, Mount Taranaki.

The New Zealand summer falls between December and February, when temperatures average between 20-25˚C during the day. We needed hiking clothing that could serve us as well in the heat around the lower lakes, as it would at the cold summit of Mount Taranaki.

We chose to take the AI-XM 3L jacket for our New Zealand adventures, as we required ultimate versatility from our outerwear.

Climbing Mount Taranaki

At 2518m, Mount Taranaki is not advised for beginners as it requires a high level of fitness and experience. However, the 9 hours we spent navigating the contours of this spectacular mountain were undoubtedly worthwhile. We tackled the track from the Stratford Plateau entrance but plenty of fellow hikers had started from the North Egmont entrance.

The beginning of the hike takes you around a gorge up to Mangonui Ski Lodge. Around two hours into the rocky hike, we reached Tahurangi Lodge, where we were able to have a short rest and a toilet stop. After this point, the climb became a real challenge for even the most experienced of climbers. We finally overcame the scoria section and reached the Lizard, which is a large steep rock which took us an hour and a half to climb. The breathtaking views from the summit ensured the gruelling climb was worth the work.

The AI-XM 3L jacket proved to be an excellent choice, providing us the windproof shelter we needed when exposed to the elements but also keeping us cool in the hotter sections of the climb. This versatile jacket offers a lightweight and high-quality option of functional outerwear, ready for any type of climate or weather.

Huka Falls

We couldn’t miss the chance to visit Huka Falls and see one of nature’s most dramatic waterfalls. We hiked the Spa Park up to the Huka Falls trail, to immerse ourselves in the beauty and thundering noise of the powerful waterfall. The AI-XM 3L waterproof jacket kept us dry enough to enjoy the spectacular display.

Nelson Lakes National Park

Another must-see on our NZ travel adventures was the magnificent Nelson Lakes National Park, situated in the north of the South Island. From here you can explore the snowy peaks of the Ella Range mountains or enjoy a more relaxed approach on or around the lake. We opted for a day of kayaking on Lake Rotoiti but there were many more activities to choose from such as zip-lining, water skiing and canyoning.

Lake Wakatipu and Lake Tekapo

We stopped for a few days in Queenstown, which was a good base to visit Lake Wakatipu from. This unique lake is shaped like a lightning bolt and is the third largest lake in New Zealand. Nearby Mount Earnslaw is one of the more popular climbs in the area and offers a challenging climb for experienced climbers.

On our way to Christchurch for the final leg of our adventures, we drove to Lake Tekapo to take in the tranquil waters and were treated to the most amazing stargazing experience of our lives. We also made some time to enjoy the hot pools at this exceptional location.

We would highly recommend taking this once-in-a-lifetime trip to explore the highlights of New Zealand. Make sure you are well-equipped for all climates, with the AI-XM 3L being the perfect technical outerwear choice for a trip like this.