About Trailblazing with Mike

Hi, I'm Mike. I live in Christchurch, New Zealand. I got into hiking in my early 20s, about 20 years ago.

I have hiked mostly in the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand, and a fair bit in Japan when I lived there for five years.

I was inspired to start Trailblazing with Mike on the Wye Creek track near Queenstown as a place to process the random shit I think about while out taking a break from the trappings of our digital lifestyles.

But who would want to read that? So, I thought I could provide some better trail descriptions and more photos than what are out there otherwise for NZ trails, too.

I hope my writing can be both amusing and useful for people.

I have two young kids so I haven't gotten out hiking a lot in the last five years. I thought this could be a cheeky chance to get back out there legitimately. "Oh, but I need to update the blog..."

And my kids are getting to the age where we can hit the bush a bit more together now. Maybe a 'cool website' will help persuade them out.

I'm not a gearhead; I hike with a fucking old pack, and gear from a few different mid-range brands available here in New Zealand. I'm not a hardout; I've never used crampons and an ice axe in my life (hardout (n.) - New Zealand slang for someone who participates in activities with overzealous vigour, or engages in activities considered extreme).

If you're looking for those things, I'm probably not the blog for you.

I'm just a fairly normal weirdo who hopes you enjoy the site.