Video: The Wild Landscapes of New Zealand in Timelapse

Shot over the past two years, this video features some fantastic images of the landscapes of New Zealand captured in timelapse. It is a wonderful four-minute short film that will leave you breathless for more. Just sit back and enjoy these incredible shots of nature from a country that embodies the spirit of adventure.

L E A V E H O M E - A NEW ZEALAND TIMELAPSE PROJECT from Manoj Kesavan on Vimeo.

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Video: A Portrait of New Zealand

If you still haven't had your fill of great videos showing the amazing landscapes of New Zealand, then check this five-minute short-film out. It was shot earlier in the year, and gives us some more fantastic images of a country that practically exudes adventure. For hiking, climbing, rafting, and kayaking, it is tough to beat New Zealand as an all-around get outdoor destination. Enjoy this clip, and be inspired to visit the place for yourself.

Portrait of New Zealand from • of two lands • on Vimeo.

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Ultra-running Team Sets New Mark on New Zealand's Great Walks

A few weeks back I posted about the New Zealand 9 expedition, an attempt by a trio of ultrarunners/adventurers to set a new speed record for completing all nine of New Zealand's Great Walks in just nine days. While I was off galavanting around Ecuador the past few weeks, this team of endurance athletes launched their ambitious effort as well. While not everything went according to plan, they were able to successfully complete eight of the Great Walks, and a portion of the ninth, while in the process, setting a new record along the way.

Ben Southall, Luke Edwards, and Patrick Kinsella faced grueling trail conditions, sleep deprivation, logistical challenges, and the wrath of Mother Nature as they ran – and paddled – their way along the Great Walks. The three men pushed themselves to their physical limits, often running distances greater than a marathon on back-to-back, successive days, on dirt trails no less. In the end, it was circumstances beyond their control that prevented them from achieving the nine walks in nine days, although they did manage to complete eight of the journeys in record time.

For those who don't know, the nine "Great Walks" consist of the following: The Rakiura Track (32km/19.8 miles), Kepler Track (60km/37.2 miles), Milford Track (54km/33.5 miles), Routeburn Track (32km/19.8 miles), Heaphy Track (78km/48.5 miles), Abel Tasman Coastal Track (51km/31.6 miles), Whanganui Journey (145 km/90 miles), Tongariro Northern Circuit (43km/26.7 miles), Lake Waikaremoana Track (46km/28.5 miles).

When the team completed the Routeburn Track, they immediately set out for the Heaphy Track to continue their expedition. Unfortunately, extended driving times between the trailheads forced them to run the 78km (48.5 mile) route at night, which presented plenty of challenges in and of itself. They were able to complete that route however, and that wasn't where they faced a roadblock that couldn't be overcome.


With logistical issues causing delays, the expedition schedule got a bit off track, and by the time they reached the Whanganui Journey – a 145km (90 mile) paddle down the Whanganui River – they new they were racing an uphill battle. The river had swelled to unusually high levels, making it even more of a challenge to complete. When nightfall set in, the boys realized that it was too dangerous to paddle after dark, and were forced to abandon the attempt.

Dejected that they wouldn't be able to finish that stage of the journey, the move don to the Tongariro Northern Circuit, before catching a helicopter ride to the start of the Lake Waikaremoana Track. They ran those two ultramarathon length trails back-to-back, and crossed the finish line for the expedition in 9 days, 23 hours, and 20 minutes. 40 minutes shy of ten days.

As it stands, they team set a new mark for finishing 8 of New Zealand's Great Walks in record time. They are disappointed of course that they were unable to complete the Wanganui Journey, but are proud of their accomplishment none the less. Congratulations to Ben, Luke, and Pat on a job well done.

To find out more about the expedition visit TheGlobalAdenturers.com.  And check out the video below of the final leg of the journey to get an idea of the challenge they faced along the way.


Trail 9 - World Record from NothinButShorts International on Vimeo.

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Video: The Most Epic Flight Safety Video Ever Made

You have to hand it to Air New Zealand, they sure no know to make a safety video that will capture your attention. They released this Hobbit-themed video a few days back, and it is certainly filled with all kinds of great Lord of the Rings references, including some familiar faces. Of course, what more would you expect out of an airline that is actually taking you to Middle Earth? Great stuff, and it's fun to see the company have a little fun with this.

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Trio of Adventurers Ready to Launch New Zealand 9 Expedition

Last year, a trio of adventures – Ben Southall, Luke Edwards, and Pat Kinsella – took on an incredible feat of endurance by trail running and climbing to the top of the highest peaks in each of the eight Australian states in just eight days. It was a tough challenge not only for the physical aspects, but also the logistical ones as well.

In June, the same team announced that they were preparing to take on a similar challenge, this time in the land of Kiwis. They call their latest expedition the New Zealand 9, as they'll not only be attempting complete all nine of New Zealand's "Great Walks," they'll try to do it in just nine days.

All told, the journey will cover more than 545 km (338 miles), as Ben, Luke, and Pat trail run for more than 400 km (248 miles), and travel by kayak an additional 145 km (90 miles) along the Whanhanui River. They'll begin the challenge in the extreme south of New Zealand, where they'll kick things off on the Rakiura Track (32km/19.8 miles) located on remote Stewart Island. From there, they'll head to the Routeburn (32km/19.8 miles), Milford (53.5km/33.2 miles), Kepler (60km/37.2 miles), Heaphy (78.4/48/7) and Abel Tasman (55.2km/34.2) tracks on the South Island. Once finished there, they'll then take on the Whanhanui River Journey (145km/90 miles), Tongariro Northern Circuit (43km/26.7 miles), and Lake Waikaremoana (46km/28.5) on the North Island.

If successful, the NZ9 team will set a new speed record for completing all of the Great Walks. It won't be easy however, as they'll have to average more than a marathon per day on foot, and that doesn't even include the kayaking leg of the expedition.

You can follow the team's progress at TheGlobalAdventurers.com, and learn more about them, as well as the challenge ahead, in the video below.

New Zealand 9 - Where adventure lives from Ben Southall on Vimeo.

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Video: The Colors of New Zealand

Shot on a road trip through New Zealand this past March, this video captures the incredible sights of both the North and South Islands. It is a visually striking travelogue that will take you across the incredible landscapes that make up this amazing country. At four-and-a-half minutes in length, it is a great escape to NZ for those of us who can't be there ourselves at the moment. Enjoy.

Colors of New Zealand from Marc Cecotti on Vimeo.

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Video: The Living Spree - A Summer of Adventure in New Zealand

What do you do when you have one last summer of freedom following college and before entering the work force? If you're the three young Americans who made the video below, you travel to New Zealand, rent a van, and cover more than 4000 miles (6437 km) in search of adventure. As you can see from this incredibly well done short film, they found everything they were looking for, and more. Great stuff, and wonderful inspiration for a travel adventure of your own.

 The Living Spree from Four Hills Films on Vimeo.

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Video: One Extreme Athlete, Five Extreme Activities, One Hour

Only in New Zealand is it possible to cram five extreme activities into a single hour. In the video below, we watch as outdoor athlete Chuck Berry (I'm not making this up folks!) skydives out of a helicopter, lands on a mountain, then snowboards down to another helicopter, to catch a lift to a nearby trail, which he then descends on a mountain bike. Eventually he reaches a bridge with spans a a massive canyon, which is of course the perfect place to bungee jump. At the bottom of that jump, he boards a waiting jet boat, then flies down the canyon at break neck speed. It all looks like fun of course, even if I'd prefer to do it in a shorter timeframe so I can actually enjoy the activity.

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Video: Beautiful Queenstown, New Zealand

Ever wonder why New Zealand is sometimes referred to as the "Adventure Capital of the World?" Then look no further than this beautiful short video shot in, and around Queenstown. It not only features some breathtaking landscapes, it also shows adventurous people doing some of our favorite activities, like mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, and more. The video is an excellent reminder that I still need to visit this amazing-looking country.

HELICAM FILMS - QUEENSTOWN - NZ from TONY YOUNG on Vimeo.

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Video: New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud

If you're still unconvinced that New Zealand needs to be on your bucket list of places to visit, perhaps this video will push you over the edge. It is a wonderful timelapse film shot at a variety of locations around the country that is equal parts compelling and tranquil, at the same time.

New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud from Stephen Patience Photography on Vimeo.

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Video: Timelapse Video of the Heavens over Observatories

We'll wrap things up this week with this beautiful video, shot near a number of observatories in Australia and New Zealand. It is a timelapse clip with some breathtaking views of the night skies over the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy these amazing images, and don't forget to look up at the skies over your head this weekend.

The Observatories from Alex Cherney on Vimeo.

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