Wildside Travel

23/09/2024

The main Round Rarotonga Road Race was a wrap yesterday. Grateful cloud cover for the most part, sun was warming things up by mid-morning but a welcome tail wind kept the last few km's bearable. Over 260 runners were treated to a well run event with an impressive graze table at the finish line!!
Well done everyone!!
Prize giving dinner and show this evening.

20/09/2024

Run # 1 complete. All airplane legs have had a shake out. Rest day tomorrow and then the main Round Rarotonga Race on Saturday...a few happy snaps at the 5km FUN RUN this evening for those that dared!

20/09/2024

...when a FUN RUN in the tropics takes a funny turn...!!!🤣

19/09/2024

Business mornings dont need to be arduous!!
A few days in Raro with our runners here for the annual Round Rarotonga Road Race this weekend.
Coffee needs to be replaced with something cold and fizzy...☺️ Don't judge me!!

18/08/2024

An incredible week spent on our favorite Island of NIUE. With a group of 24 we had quite a presence as we delivered our BIKE ADVENTURES week that was packed with rides, swims, snorkel trips, land tours, massage and incredible WHALE encounters. Our group explored every nook and cranny they had time for, were up for every adventure we threw at them and our evenings were increasingly hilarious with regaled stories. An exceptional week, exceptional people in an exceptional location.

Join us next year if you think this looks like a holiday you would enjoy, check our website for 2025.

30/03/2024

A busy few weeks here in Tasmania, apologies for the late post. Attending the fabulous kunanyi Mountain Run festival in Hobart last weekend. Three days of testing races.
Frist up was the Vertical Km (the only one in Australia) and boy was it EPIC! I loved the rock climbing lung busting combo and would do it again in a blink. My good mate Maria Voigt ran in the 25km race on day 2 –a straight up straight down race with 1350 vert! And we both cracked a super enjoyable Foothills run on day 3 with only 350 vert. Managed a sneaky 3rd in the Vertical km and a 2nd in the Foothills (age group) race. Maria received a wee plaque recognition for entering all 3 days. *not many attempted 3!
The organisation of this festival (in its 3rd year) was second to none, unfaultable and exceptionally inspiring. It was very focused on your own individual pursuit with the wild of the mountain and not setting out to concur the mountain, but journey WITH the mountain, its ancestral spirits and to create your own story within your running. What a refreshing approach. Cultural immersion, personal rewards and the happiest, friendliest community of runners I have come across. And being a World Mt Running qualifier, there was some serious talent lined up, the winning times were blistering.
Check out the details of this incredible weekend from the link below – for the lovers of trial running. Certainly one to experience!
*Wildside Travel will have packages to the 2025 event - put your name down now!
https://www.kunanyimountain.run/

11/02/2024

ABOUT AGE
A plethora of tribute through for the fabulous Maria Voigt making history at the Coast to Coast race over the weekend, I was so honoured to be part of her success it was truly heart-filling!! A very special weekend, and no need to add further.
What has bothered me and I feel the need to address – was the appalling line of interviewing bestowed on the female elite athletes at race briefing Thursday afternoon.
Was it just me or did every woman there over the age of 40 cringe with anger?? I want to call out the two interviewers whose idea of entertainment is to address all the irrelevant tripe of age: food now you are older, training now you are older, how many more do you think you can do, you know – given you age, you must be threatened by the younger athletes. On behalf of Elina Ussher and Simone Maier: how dare you! Stop it. Just stop it.
There was a male athlete who has fronted up 17 times, he didn’t have to endure questions about how long will he last?
If the ladies are there, then they are prepped and ready to compete. Most of us watching don’t have a problem with that.
And you could learn to address them by name while you are at it. End.

To all those woman out there 40+ please, please just keep doing what you do. Bike, paddle, run, lift weights - stay strong and age well.
And please push back when you have to face poorly skilled interviewing. I hope I see others taking notice of Maria’s benchmark and start lining up for the age group categories.
Don’t EVER be told you are too old. XX

12/12/2023

Now here are THE cycle holidays you need to put on your wish-list!!

03/10/2023

“Holidays with achievements” are something we have always set as a focus.
Wildside are happy to continue the tradition with a new end of summer run-treat across the ditch in Tasmania.
The 3rd running of the kunyani Mt Run is 23 March 2024 and it is a stunner course that backdrops the vibrant city of Hobart.
Choose a 67km Ultra (or relay) 25km trail, a 9km trail plus a 1 km vertical challenge if you dare.
We have 7 night packages for those looking for a break to wrap up the summer training. Check the detail:
https://www.wildsidetravel.nz/portfolio-item/sports-events/kunyani-mt-run/

26/09/2023

Congratulations to all the Waitaki Spring Challenge teams for their successful adventuring in the beautiful South!

We have something a little special, fun low key and fun for Challenge Teams who like to travel with their besties.
NIUE ROCKMAN ADVENTURES 2024
7 Days, 4 different races, loads of Island exploring, caves, jungle craggy sea tracks and gin-clear water!

A chance to have an active holiday and Island Adventures together on foot, cycle and ocean.

Any Spring Challenge Team who are keen to join can receive a $200 discount per person x 3 off the package price by giving us their race number (**from ANY Spring Challenge)
Plus the first team to book will also get free race entry ($150 each) Offer closes 31 March 2024.

Details on our website https://www.wildsidetravel.nz/portfolio-item/sports-events/niue-rockman-races/ #1594866311744-44e6f5a6-9128af0b-197a

10/03/2023

Here's a cracker little tour if you need a recommendation...!
The time for adventure is NOW

02/03/2023

Space for some lucky people...check this epic tour out!

01/03/2023

A small window here for anyone needing a winter adventure...!

Niue is a Pacific Island paradise like no other, one of the smallest countries, and of the largest raised coral atolls on earth. Niue is a place where its normal for complete strangers to wave at each other. Come and enjoy our beautiful little island.

31/12/2022

Highly recomended!

04/12/2022

My all time favourite trip!
The family departures are super popular. 2023 tours are filling fast, limited availability so check them out now... 😍

Making memories x 💯
Join us in 2023 for a family cycle tour in Kenya and Tanzania - we have a custom 10 day trip August 14th - 23rd. Starting and finishing in Nairobi you will explore the African Savannah by bike, spotting plains game from the saddle, experience game drives through two national parks and visit Maasai bomas far off the beaten track. Limited spaces available - get in touch for more info!!
Email: [email protected]

09/11/2021

Things are hotting up in the travel sector at last!
With The Cook Islands opening in the new year, creates the opportunity for lovers of tropical running a chance to 'bag a hot break'!

Why not give the AITUTAKI MARATHON a go - our packages are up and flights will be in huge demand. Get in now before the stampede!!

https://www.wildsidetravel.nz/portfolio-item/sports-events/aitutaki-marathon-2022/

The South Pacific's newest Marathon - a wonderful Pursuit in Paradise. Our Tropical runners will want to try this one...!

18/10/2021

This time next year...we might finally be embarking on our Autumn Walking adventure into the back of Japans ancient worlds! The tour took over a year to craft and has been on the shelf for a further 2 years, I hope it gets some air in October 2022!

Old forests, 1000 year old trees, pilgrim trails, small quiet Islands. Serene farmlands, rural walkways with arched stone bridges and babbling creeks, quiet small towns and alpine spas. Throw in some sake and miso brewing, a wasabi farm, try traditional tea, origami and calligraphy to round out an immersive balance of experiences in this land of protocol. You wont be disappointed!
https://www.wildsidetravel.nz/portfolio-item/active-holidays/autumn-walking-in-japan/

04/08/2021

I have ONE group seat to Rarotonga left to sell:

1 NZ 940 20SEP Auckland – Raro depart 0855 hrs arrive 1430 hrs 19SEP
2 NZ 941 27SEP Raro – Auckland depart 1455 hrs arrive 1825 hrs 28SEP
$830 (works fare)

**These dates are for the Rarotonga Road Race (Run or Walk) week - but anyone needing a week of R&R can use.

**MUST BE SOLD BY FRIDAY 6 AUGUST**
Please share / get in touch asap!
[email protected]

28/07/2021

KAITERI GOLD 2022
You know there will be a TRAVEL PRIZE...yeah those things we used to look forward to!😉
Get signed up for a day at the beach... and you could go home with a free holiday in your pocket.
Details revealed closer to race day. 🤞🤞

Our philosophy here at Nelson Events is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Our focus is to make sure everyone involved leaves with a smile on t

27/06/2021

The Rarotonga Road Race (32km or 10km) is looking forward to welcoming New Zealand runners and walkers back this September. We have just 4 spots left on our allocation for 2021...even if you don't wish to run, and are looking for a holiday in the sun - get in touch soon. Details on the link
https://www.wildsidetravel.nz/portfolio-item/sports-events/round-rarotonga-road-race/

Held in September every year, this week is totally geared for the South Pacific holiday maker with a running addiction!

27/06/2021

Our next South Island Walking Tour - Spring Edition departs 29 October. If you fancy a well-paced, scenery-packed small-group itinerary complemented with good food, accommodation and experienced crew. There is everything to love about this trip - and our clients tell us so! Details on the link.
https://www.wildsidetravel.nz/portfolio-item/active-holidays/new-zealand-south-island-walking-tour/

14/06/2021

Due to pent up demand (!)...we have a Tshirt order going in at end of June. If you would like some sought-after Wildside kit, please email your order to [email protected] by end of June for delivery end July. $30 + $6 postage for both Men's and Women's.
*100% combed ring-spun cotton, pre-shrunk, anti-pill, 250gm Good Quality 👍
Send us your size, gender and colour (Navy, Black or Grey) and
Join the band!!

03/05/2021

**THE ULTIMATE RUNNERS HOLIDAY**
Round Rarotonga Road Race 2021 Packages are COMING!
Please be patient as we collate deals, flights and registration forms (not quite ready yet). We are holding 25 seats, 20 to 28 September (shorter dates available) Please email [email protected] to log your interest to travel.
Sun, Sea and Running Shoes!!

01/04/2021

We have just completed our 2nd North Island 'Educational' Walking Tour and I would like to personally thank retired Vic University Lecturer Richard Willis for teaming up with Wildside Travel and offering his expert services (out of retirement I might add) to help us out in these unknown times. We enjoyed commentary on Farming in Tarankai, central plateau and the lovely Wararapa. Richard delivered on small town economics, geology, sustainability, and pertinent stories from the Maori Land Wars. For years Taranaki and the Wairarapa have flown under the radar...and they have SO much to offer. If you think you would like to understand these areas further, Richard runs his own New Zealand Study Tours business and we can put you in touch with him.

05/03/2021

Kaiteriteri Gold - Saturday 20th March

The event with the Golden Sands finish!

14km - Multi Terrain
Half Marathon - Road

Full event details
https://www.nelsonevents.co.nz/kaiteriteri-gold/

Entry portal
https://eventplus.net/KG21

02/02/2021

A friend gave me this choice cup for Xmas...pretty suitable for our next couple of adventures! Get in touch if you can join us....

28/01/2021

Prize Package for Kaiteriteri Gold is out. Have you entered?
Half Marathon or 14km Trail Run in beautiful Kaiteriteri....A day at the beach for runners!! 20 March, enter here:
https://www.nelsonevents.co.nz/kaiteriteri-gold/

06/01/2021

There is something incredibly satisfying in "Bagging" a mountain. Mt Taranaki is not an easy ask, the weather conditions are always in play and they need to coincide with your travel window. We are feeling hopeful that our second Lower North Island Educational Walking Tour (departing 19 March) will line up the magic for us!
We have a couple of spots left on this excellent tour....Feel free to get in touch.
#

21/12/2020

Did you know the local fishermen at this beach use Bulldozers to launch their boats? Kiwi-as. Unearth some of New Zealand's forgotten places with us on our 9 day Lower North Island Tour. departs 19 March 2021.

18/12/2020

Kim & Sakkie Meyer are off to SAMOA c/o Wildside Travel and the fabulous and talented Motueka High School Adventure Racing Team raffle. What a CHRISTMAS PRESENT!!
Oh Boy - so excited to be selling travel again (haa!!)...and beautiful Samoa is THE most idyllic Adventure destination you can come up with, the options are endless.