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New Zealand’s South Island Is Calling!  10 Day New Zealand Hiking Itinerary If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about packing a bag, lacing up your boots, and heading somewhere wild and beautiful — this is your sign. New Zealand’s South Island is an absolute dream for women who crave fresh air, freedom, and the thrill of exploring somewhere new. Picture crystal-clear lakes, snow-capped mountains, winding trails through ancient forests — and you, right there in the middle of it all. What makes New Zealand such an incredible hiking destination? It’s not just the jaw-dropping scenery (though trust me, that alone is worth the trip). It’s the sense of adventure you feel around every corner. It’s safe, welcoming, and perfect for hikers of all levels. Plus, many of the best trails don’t even require permits, giving you the freedom to chase beauty wherever you find it. The best time to plan your South Island hiking getaway is between November and April — New Zealand’s spring and summer. You’ll find mild weather, longer daylight hours, and trails just begging to be explored. So if you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, reconnect with your adventurous spirit, and create memories you’ll be proud of — South Island is waiting for you! 🛫 Travel from Houston to New Zealand Flight Route: 🏞️ 10-Day Hiking Itinerary on South Island Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown Day 2: Ben Lomond Track Day 3: Roys Peak Track Day 4: Rob Roy Glacier Track Day 5: Travel to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Day 6: Hooker Valley Track Day 7: Sealy Tarns Track Day 8: Travel to Fiordland National Park Day 9: Lake Marian Track Day 10: Return to Queenstown 💰 Estimated Budget (Per Person) Item Estimated Cost (USD) Round-trip Flights $1,200 – $1,800 Accommodation (10 nights) $1,000 – $1,500 Car Rental & Fuel $500 – $700 Food & Dining $400 – $600 Miscellaneous (entrance fees, souvenirs) $200 – $300 Total Estimated Cost $3,300 – $4,900 🏕️ FAQ: Do I Need a Permit to Hike in New Zealand? Q: Do all hikes in New Zealand require a permit?A: Nope! Most day hikes and shorter trails on the South Island (like Hooker Valley, Roys Peak, and Lake Marian) are completely free and don’t require any permits. Q: Which hikes do require permits?A: Some of the famous multi-day “Great Walks” — like the Milford Track, Routeburn Track, and Kepler Track — require advanced bookings and permits through the Department of Conservation (DOC). These permits include your overnight stays in huts or campsites. Q: When should I book if I want to hike a Great Walk?A: As early as possible! Great Walk bookings usually open in late spring (New Zealand time) for the upcoming hiking season. Spots can sell out quickly, especially between November and April. Q: Where do I get a permit?A: You can book online directly through the official DOC website: https://www.doc.govt.nz Q: What if I miss out on a permit?A: No worries! There are dozens of world-class day hikes and overnight hikes that don’t require permits. You’ll still have plenty of epic trails to choose from! 🌲 Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM | Stretch & Flexibility Coach | Eco-Therapy Guide  | Hiking Enthusiast 🌲 Passionate about helping women over 40 embrace the outdoors and reach new heights, Melanie specializes in fitness training, flexibility coaching, and hiking preparation. Melanie’s goal is to empower others to build strength, confidence, and a love for the trails. For hiking insights, fitness tips, and upcoming events, visit her website: JustHyke and follow along at Melanie Michaelchuk Hiker! Let’s hit the trail together! 🌄 Ready for your adventure? Be travel ready with Global Rescue. Want to get out there but you are concerned about your energy level? Take this free health assessment and learn actionable steps to fill in nutritional gaps and improve your health and fitness. Take Assessment #JustHyke #idlife #womenwhohike #naturelover

🏔️ Get Strong for Your Next Adventure – At Home or the Gym! Strength Workouts for Hikers: Train Smarter, Hike Stronger Whether you’re dreaming of your first bucket list hike or gearing up for another summit, your training starts long before you hit the trail. One of the best ways to prepare is by building strength and endurance through targeted workouts that mimic real hiking challenges — like uphill climbs, backpack weight, and rocky, uneven terrain. That’s why I created these two simple strength circuits designed specifically for hikers. Each one focuses on key areas: legs, glutes, core, and upper body support. And the best part? You can do them at home or in the gym with minimal equipment — just your body and a resistance band! 💪 Try these two circuits: 🏔️ Workout 1: “Trail Ready Legs & Core” Focus: Lower body power, core stability, and uphill enduranceEquipment: Resistance band (optional), mat Repeat the circuit 2–3x with 30–45 seconds of rest between each round. 🥾 Workout 2: “Backpack Strong & Balanced” Focus: Upper body support, core control, balance under loadEquipment: Resistance band or light backpack, optional mat Repeat the circuit 2–3x with 30–60 seconds rest between rounds. ✨ Encouragement Tip: You don’t need to go fast — you need to be consistent. Add these into your weekly training 2–3 times a week and you’ll feel stronger, more stable, and ready to take on that summit. Repeat each circuit 2–3 times, and you’ve got yourself a hike-specific workout that helps build the strength and stamina you need for your next adventure. 🌿 Remember — strong hikers aren’t born, they’re built. One step, one rep, one climb at a time. 🌲 Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM | Stretch & Flexibility Coach | Eco-Therapy Guide  | Hiking Enthusiast 🌲 Passionate about helping women over 40 embrace the outdoors and reach new heights, Melanie specializes in fitness training, flexibility coaching, and hiking preparation. Melanie’s goal is to empower others to build strength, confidence, and a love for the trails. For hiking insights, fitness tips, and upcoming events, visit her website: JustHyke and follow along at Melanie Michaelchuk Hiker! Let’s hit the trail together! 🌄 Ready for your adventure? Be travel ready with Global Rescue. Want to get out there but you are concerned about your energy level? Take this free health assessment and learn actionable steps to fill in nutritional gaps and improve your health and fitness. Take Assessment #JustHyke #idlife #womenwhohike #naturelover

🌞 Summer Adventures Start Here! 🌲🚶‍♀️ The sun is out, the trails are calling, and your hiking style just got an upgrade! 🌄 Shop our exclusive collection of summer hiking tees featuring inspiring outdoor quotes like “Campfire Tales and Starry Trails” Designed for comfort, adventure, and wanderlust-filled souls, these ultra-soft tees are perfect for: ✅ Hiking & exploring✅ Camping trips & road trips✅ Casual everyday wear for adventure lovers Made with lightweight, breathable fabric, these tees are your go-to for summer hikes, mountain views, and sunset trails. 🏕️✨ 🔥 LIMITED STOCK – Grab yours today! 🔥 🛍️ Shop now on Etsy: Just Hyke @ Etsy #HikingTee #AdventureAwaits #TrailBlazer #OutdoorStyle #NotAllWhoWanderAreLost #ExploreMore #JustHyke #MountainLife #Wanderlust #HikerLife

Hike Stronger: Train Like an Athlete for Your Bucket List Adventure If you’re planning to take on a bucket list hike—whether it’s the Inca Trail, the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, or a local weekend trek—it’s time to shift your mindset. Hiking is an endurance event. Just like runners train for months to complete a 5K or a marathon, hikers should prepare their bodies to tackle challenging terrain with strength, stamina, and confidence. Fueling Your Hike: Nutrition Matters Hiking is physically demanding, and your body needs the right fuel to perform at its best. A well-balanced diet with the right mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats will keep you energized throughout your journey. Hydration: Stay Ahead of Dehydration Water is just as important as food when it comes to hiking performance. Dehydration can cause fatigue, cramps, and dizziness—none of which you want on the trail! Train for Your Hike: Build Strength & Endurance Your hiking success depends on how well you prepare. Strength training, endurance workouts, and flexibility exercises all play a role in making you a stronger, more efficient hiker. Think Like an Athlete: Prepare for Success A marathon runner wouldn’t show up to race day without months of training, so why show up for your dream hike unprepared? Start training at least 8 to 12 weeks in advance, simulating the trail conditions as much as possible. Get Inspired & Gear Up Want to take your training to the next level? Explore hiking-inspired fitness plans and gear designed to help you prepare for your next adventure. 🔗 Just Hyke Website – Find fitness tips, training programs, and inspiration for your next hike. 🔗 Just Hyke Etsy Store – Get hiking gear, training plans, and motivational apparel. About Melanie Michaelchuk 🌲 Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM | Stretch & Flexibility Coach | Eco-Therapy Guide | Hiking Enthusiast 🌲 Passionate about helping women over 40 embrace the outdoors and reach new heights, Melanie specializes in fitness training, flexibility coaching, and hiking preparation. Her goal is to empower others to build strength, confidence, and a love for the trails. Melanie is the founder of Just Hyke, a platform dedicated to inspiring women over 40 to explore the outdoors through hiking, fitness, and wellness. As a personal trainer, flexibility coach, and advocate for safe adventures through Global Rescue, Melanie empowers others to embrace the benefits of nature, fitness, and mindfulness through her retreats, fitness programs, and motivational content. 📢 Subscribe to Melanie’s updates for hiking tips, fitness plans, and inspiring stories: Subscribe Here 🌿 Follow Along: Just Hyke | Melanie Michaelchuk Hiker Let’s hit the trail together! 🌄 #JustHyke #OutdoorAdventure #WomenWhoHike #HikingOver40 #FitnessAndAdventure #GoalSetting #Motivation #MindfulnessInNature #ClimbYourMountain

What Are Inclines and Trail Grades? When you hike outdoors, trail grades show how steep the path is. A 5% grade means for every 100 feet you walk forward, you climb 5 feet up. Treadmills use the same idea with their incline setting. Here’s how trail grades match treadmill inclines: A stair stepper is another great way to train because it feels like climbing steps, which works many of the same muscles used for hiking. Why Train on a Treadmill or Stair Stepper? Walking on a flat surface helps your heart and lungs. Adding an incline or climbing stairs makes your workout harder and strengthens key muscles, like your glutes (butt muscles), hamstrings, and calves. This kind of training helps you prepare for hiking uphill, so you’ll feel ready and confident on the trail. Treadmill and Stair Stepper Training Plan Here’s how you can build up your hiking strength and endurance: Beginner (30 minutes): Build Your Base Treadmill: Stair Stepper: Intermediate (45 minutes): Add More Challenge Treadmill: Stair Stepper: Advanced (60 minutes): Steep and Strong Treadmill: Stair Stepper: Extra Tips for Treadmill and Stair Stepper Training Why It Works Using a treadmill or stair stepper is great for building strength and endurance. While it’s not exactly like walking on rocky trails, it helps prepare your body for the challenges of hiking. Plus, it’s an easy way to stay active when you can’t get outside. Start with small challenges and work your way up. Before you know it, you’ll feel stronger and more ready for your next hiking adventure. Happy hiking—indoors or out! 🌟 🌲 Melanie Michaelchuk, CPT-NASM | Stretch & Flexibility Coach | Eco-Therapy Guide  | Hiking Enthusiast 🌲 Passionate about helping women over 40 embrace the outdoors and reach new heights, Melanie specializes in fitness training, flexibility coaching, and hiking preparation. Melanie’s goal is to empower others to build strength, confidence, and a love for the trails. Empowering women to explore the trails safely, with strength, and peace of mind—partnered with Global Rescue for adventure-ready support. Global Rescue & Just Hyke For hiking insights, fitness tips, and upcoming events, visit her website: JustHyke and follow along at Melanie Michaelchuk Hiker! Let’s hit the trail together! 🌄 #JustHyke

Why You Should Always Burp Your Hydration Bag Before Hitting the Trail! Hey, fellow hikers! Let’s talk about a simple yet essential pre-hike habit: burping your hydration bag. No, we’re not giving it a pat on the back, but we are ensuring a smoother, quieter hike. Here’s why: No More Sloshing Sounds: Ever feel like you’re carrying a miniature waterfall on your back? That annoying sloshing sound comes from air trapped in your hydration bladder. Burping removes the air, so your hike stays peaceful and stealthy—perfect for enjoying nature or spotting wildlife! Maximize Space: Air takes up precious room in your hydration bag. Burping it allows you to fit more water, so you’re hydrated for longer stretches without needing to refill. Easier to Carry: With less air, the weight of your pack is better distributed, making it more comfortable to carry over those long, challenging trails. How to Burp Your Hydration Bag: Fill the bag with water. Seal it tightly. Flip it upside down so the air is at the top, then squeeze gently to release the air through the drinking tube. Voilà! No more sloshing. Take a few seconds to burp your hydration bag, and your future self will thank you on the trail! Ready to hit the next adventure? Let’s hike smarter and enjoy every step. Have you tried this before? Let me know your favorite pre-hike prep tips in the comments below! #HydrationTips#JustHyke#HikingGear#HikeSmart#OutdoorAdventure