Keen to explore somewhere new, away from the crowds, in great company and with an experienced guide? These two North Island tracks each stand on their own, and work beautifully together if you have the time for both.

On 17 January 2001, Angelika founded Sidetracks. At the time, she couldn't have imagined what the next 25 years would bring - the landscapes covered, the people met, the unexpected turns that would shape everything.

We get asked this more and more: “I’d love to come – but with my food intolerances, will I even be able to eat with the group?” We understand – and you’re not the only one. For many women, food isn’t “just food.” We get it – and we care.

October 2025 marks a very special milestone for me – it’s been 30 years since I first landed in New Zealand to work as a tour guide. Here I share with you not only how my journey unfolded, but also my personal favourite months of travelling in beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand.

When you picture yourself on a hike of 5–7 hours, do you wonder: Will I really manage the whole day? The truth is – yes, you can! With a few simple steps you’ll feel stronger, steadier, and ready to enjoy every view (not just the next rest stop).

Booking early means more than just saving money – it helps us plan better, confirms your spot sooner, and keeps your travel stress-free. In this blog post, we explain how our Early Bird offer works, why it’s worth it, and how it benefits everyone involved.

Let us give you some insight into what this sign stands for and how QEII Covenants safeguard New Zealand’s ecological treasures.

A quirky and wonderful place awaits you near the half-way point of the Banks Peninsula Track.

Learn everything you need to know about these pesky critters and how to outsmart them on your next adventure

The Kaikoura Coastal Track offers more than just stunning views. Learn more about its story here.

My experiences on a Sidetracks tour as a single hiker. Signing up to do a guided small group hike with a bunch of women I didn’t know, was a first for me. I had some spare time and thought I’d do something different and interesting, but what? I came across Sidetracks Women online and thought it was serendipitous a tour was starting in the next couple of weeks. Without thinking too hard about it, I signed up. After getting all my gear sorted, I met part of the group at the des