Mike King is a professional forager and founder of Finders Eaters. He's on a mission to discover the unique and unusual flavours of New Zealand's native plants. Some of his discoveries will open your mind to a new world of edible goodness that's all around us.If you are interested in learning more about edible plants that you can find in the bush, at the beach and even in your own backyard, you'll get a lot out of this episode.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Check out the Finders Eaters website here (you can book foraging tours in Kāpiti and Wellington)Follow Finders Eaters on Facebook and InstagramCheck out the episode of Country Calendar featuring Mike here//EPISODE SPONSOR//This episode of The Wild Podcast is brought to you by Water To Go. Water To Go has created a drink bottle with a unique 3 stage water filtration system, using 1 traditional and 2 nanotechnology methods to filter your water. The filter is lightweight, lasts for ages and is easy to use.For us, using the Water To Go bottle means we don’t have to boil or chemically treat water and we can fill it anywhere - even a dirty, stagnant tarn - and know we're drinking clean clear water. It's perfect for hunting, tramping, international travel, bike packing or everyday use. The active bottle is the only filtration bottle designed for biking on the market.Check out the Water To Go website at watertogo.co.nz and use the code THEWILD at checkout to get 15% off your order.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonny

Eleanor Arnst and Katie Wright are two New Zealand based ultra running legends. Having recently completed the first known non-stop traverse of the Ruahine Range they speak to Andy about all things ultra, FKT and other extreme exploits. //EPISODE EXTRAS//Katie's InstagramEleanor's  InstagramThis episode of The Wild Podcast is brought to you by Water To Go. Water To Go has created a drink bottle with unique 3 stage water filtration system. using 1 traditional and 2 nano technology methods to filter your water. The filter is lightweight, lasts for ages and easy to use.For us, using the Water To Gobottle means we don’t have to boil or chemically treat water and we can fill it anywhere and know we're drinking clean clear water. Its perfect for hunting, tramping, international travel, bike packing or every day use. Their active bottle is the only filtration bottle designed for biking on the market.Check out the Water To Go website at watertogo.co.nz and use the code THEWILD at checkout to get 15% off your order.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

In this breaking news episode we speak to an anonymous Conversation Board member about the Department of Conservation's Options Development Group.  We talk about the group's controversial leaked draft recommendations and the potential implications for New Zealand's environment and native species. The Options Development Group was established in late 2020 to make sure the partial reviews of the general policies are guided by perspectives and insights from te ao Māori at a national level. Our anonymous source is now alleging that the group is working outside of their remit and that the process has largely been kept behind closed doors.The Department of Conservation was invited to appear on the show but declined our offer.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

In 1998 Alistair Matthew  found himself with a bike high up in the Bolivian Andes. He explored the mountains surrounding La Paz and found a ride he knew people would love - The World’s Most Dangerous Road. He found a couple more bikes and offered the ride to anyone who would listen, and soon enough it became the bike ride to do in South America. In this episode Alistair and Andy chat about pioneering adventure tourism in Bolivia, life and the importance of growing your skills on a bike. //EPISODE EXTRAS//Gravity Nelson WebsiteGravity Nelson InstagramThis episode of The Wild Podcast is brought to you by Water To Go. Water To Go has created a drink bottle with unique 3 stage water filtration system. using 1 traditional and 2 nano technology methods to filter your water. The filter is lightweight, lasts for ages and easy to use.For us, using the Water To Gobottle means we don’t have to boil or chemically treat water and we can fill it anywhere and know we're drinking clean clear water. Its perfect for hunting, tramping, international travel, bike packing or every day use. Their active bottle is the only filtration bottle designed for biking on the market.Check out the Water To Go website at watertogo.co.nz and use the code THEWILD at checkout to get 15% off your order.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Ray is a tramper, photographer and graphic designer based in Nelson, New Zealand. His relatives were the first europeans to find and explore the Tableland area behind Mt Arthur in what is now Kahurangi National Park. After years of researching and photographing he released the book Tableland - The History Behind Mt Arthur. Andy chatted to him about the process of researching and writing the book, his family history and some epic adventures he's had in his many years tramping around New Zealand.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Rays WebsiteTableland website//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Nathan Dahlberg is a mountaineer, explorer and former professional mountain biker. In this episode Nathan talks about what it's like to ride in the Tour De France and his latest adventures in Pakistan and China. Opting for the ultra simple and ultra practical approach to mountaineering, Nathan runs us through adventuring in some of the worlds most inaccessible locations. //EPISODE EXTRAS//Nathans WebsiteTumble Home Visions on Youtube//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Robert Mads Andreson is a mountaineer, author and former managing director in the advertising industry. In this episode we talk to Robert about his latest book Nine Lives which details his adventures on Mt Everest. The beautifully written book features a foreword from Peter Hillary and talks about his nine lives on the tallest mountain in the world. Recorded on Christmas Eve and intended to be a Christmas day episode this is our belated Christmas present to our listeners.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Follow Robert on Instagram Roberts website / blog//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

Dick Vietch is one of New Zealand’s conservation icons. In this episode Andy and Dick chat about everything from saving the South Island Saddleback from extinction on Big South Cape Island in 1964, discovering a new species of bird on Campbell Island through to helping eradicate cats off Hauturu / Little Barrier Island in the 1970's.They also discuss the incredible book Hauturu which features a complete survey of the flora and fauna of Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island which Dick co-edited along with Lyn Wade.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonny

Dave Shaw is the founder, creator and cameraman behind The Hunters Club TV show and he's just released a new book called 'Off the Beaten Track: Hunting Tales from the New Zealand Backcountry'. In this episode, Andy talks with Dave about his background in zoology, the origin of The Hunters Club TV show, his new book, and, of course, all things hunting in New Zealand.Whether or not you're into hunting yourself or not, Dave's story will resonate with anyone who's into the outdoors. //EPISODE EXTRAS//Follow The Hunters Club on Facebook and Instagram.Watch the latest episodes of The Hunters Club on Prime here.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com

David Cary is the founder of Empty Packs, a new brand of ultra-light tramping packs custom-made in a shed in Te Anau, New Zealand.David's story is similar to many of the great outdoor brands of today. Patagonia started with Yvon Chouinard creating hand-forged mountain climbing gear in the 1950s.  Macpac started with Bruce McIntyre making backpacks in his Christchurch garage in the 1970s.Empty Packs has started with David teaching himself how to sew ultra-light tramping gear in a small workshop in Te Anau. In this episode, we talk about how Empty Packs got started, why David thinks heavyweight, factory-made tramping packs are unnecessary for most outdoors people, and putting Empty Packs to the test on some epic adventures.The remarkable thing about David is that he's not driven by profit, rather he wants to do as much good in the world as possible. If Empty Packs becomes the next big thing in tramping gear - which we think it could - you heard it here first.//EPISODE EXTRAS//Check out the Empty Packs website here. Follow Empty Packs on Instagram here.Follow David on Instagram here.//SUPPORT THE WILD PODCAST//If you like what we do, please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.We've set it up so you can choose from:1. The cost of staying in a backcountry hut in New Zealand2. The cost of staying in a serviced hutWe thought that was cool because our goal with every episode is to transport you from wherever you are into the outdoors.Your support helps us to cover our costs and keep bringing you stories of explorers, adventure, and the great outdoors.You can also support the show by leaving a five-star rating and/or a short review on iTunes.Thanks heaps,-- Andy & Jonnywww.thewildpodcast.com