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- Special Interest
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- Activities
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- New Zealand
- Date change rule:
- Observed for nine days in November
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- 🏞️
Get Outdoors Week invites New Zealanders to immerse themselves in the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes every November. This nine-day observance encourages citizens to hike, surf, mountain bike, and explore the diverse environments that make New Zealand unique. Embrace the call of the wild, discover new trails, and connect with nature.
Want to sponsor Get Outdoors Week? Learn how
Expected Get Outdoors Week Deals
As a ‘Cause’ holiday, Get Outdoors Week focuses on participation and conservation rather than commercial deals. Look for special events hosted by the Department of Conservation and local outdoor clubs, including guided walks, conservation efforts, and educational workshops. Outdoor retailers like Macpac and Kathmandu often partner with environmental groups, offering discounts on gear for volunteers or donating a portion of sales to conservation projects. Regional tourism boards, such as Tourism New Zealand, may highlight eco-friendly travel packages and adventure activities. We encourage you to check official event listings and support local initiatives to protect New Zealand’s precious environment.
Platform Guide for Get Outdoors Week
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GetOutdoorsNZ. Share stunning photos and reels of New Zealand’s landscapes and your outdoor adventures.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GetOutdoorsWeek. Join local outdoor groups and share community events and tips.
YouTube
Subscribe to @NationalToday for holiday video content. Create and share videos of your favorite New Zealand hikes, trails, or adventure sports.
Get Outdoors Week Hero
Sir Edmund Hillary
History of Get Outdoors Week
New Zealand’s beautiful shores have always been dotted with the pearls of exploration and adventure. The ancestors of the Maori — New Zealand’s indigenous people — were expert navigators, sailors, and canoe builders. They used rising and setting points of stars and planets as markers during their sea voyages. By day the sun was their guide; at night, they relied on the stars, the direction of the wind, and the swell of the ocean’s tide.
Abel Tasman was the first European to sight the island in 1642. Tasman and his fellow Dutchmen hoped that this new land would offer trade opportunities, but after a violent encounter with the native Maori people, Tasman left without going ashore. In 1769, British explorer Lieutenant James Cook also sighted the island, making landfall in Poverty Bay two days after his discovery. Cook’s initial encounter with the Maori was also bloody, but he managed to map out the island in detail and document the indigenous people who lived on it.
Get Outdoors Week started in 2020 as a project between New Zealand tourism, recreation, and safety organizations to promote outdoor recreational activities. The holiday is led by Recreation Aotearoa, a charitable organization representing all professionals in the outdoor recreational industry. They deliver quality experiences and facilities. The first Get Outdoors Week took place between November 14 and November 24.
Get Outdoors Week timeline
Though he would not complete the journey, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan masterminds the first worldwide voyage.
Georges Marie Hardt and Louis Audouin-Dubreuil become the first explorers to cross the Sahara by car.
The first miles of the Appalachian Trail opens in New York State.
Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay become the first explorers to summit Mount Everest.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Get Outdoors Week
Local businesses in New Zealand can actively participate in Get Outdoors Week by promoting responsible tourism and outdoor engagement. Outdoor gear shops can host workshops on essential hiking skills or offer discounts on eco-friendly products. Cafes and restaurants near popular trails can create ‘hiker’s specials’ or partner with local conservation groups for donation drives. Adventure tourism operators can offer special rates on guided tours, emphasizing safety and environmental stewardship. Emphasize the unique natural beauty of New Zealand and encourage customers to explore it respectfully.
Get Outdoors Week FAQs
When is Get Outdoors Week?
In 2026, Get Outdoors Week runs from Thursday, November 12 through Friday, November 20. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty.
How many New Zealanders participate in outdoor activities?
Outdoor recreation is deeply ingrained in New Zealand culture, with a significant majority of adults participating in at least one outdoor activity annually. Popular activities include walking, hiking, cycling, and water sports, reflecting the country’s diverse landscapes.
What kind of outdoor activities are popular in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers a vast array of outdoor activities, including hiking (tramping), mountain biking, surfing, kayaking, and mountaineering. The country’s varied terrain, from volcanic plateaus to pristine beaches, caters to all levels of adventure.
What is the history of Get Outdoors Week in New Zealand?
Get Outdoors Week is an initiative designed to inspire New Zealanders to connect with nature and experience the physical and mental benefits of being outdoors. It’s supported by various organizations, including the Department of Conservation and the Mountain Safety Council.
Get Outdoors Week Activities
Ride a bike
Cycling is a beautiful way to explore your environment while burning some calories. Ride through memorable landscapes for incredible views and charming scenery.
Go on a hiking trail
Like cycling, hiking is another fun way to take in the beauty of nature around you. Hiking gives you the time to be alone with your thoughts in a peaceful atmosphere. You can take your time studying the environment and enjoying nature.
Pitch a tent
Camping is still one of the best outdoor experiences. You get to engage with nature and wildlife on a deeper level. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you’ll appreciate the little things like fireside chats and dinners in the company of friends.
5 Interesting Facts About Outdoor Activities
You’ll wish you had more time
80% of outdoor enthusiasts wish they had more time with nature.
Most popular activities
The most popular outdoor activities are biking, camping, birdwatching, and trail-running.
Going outdoors helps build the economy
Outdoor activities contribute over $700 billion to the U.S. economy each year.
Outdoor activities employ millions
Around six million Americans are employed in the outdoor recreation industry, more than in construction, education, finance, and oil and gas industries.
Americans love the great outdoors
Americans spend more than $500 billion a year on travel and adventure-related activities.
Why We Love Get Outdoors Week
Appreciating nature’s beauty
Taking in the natural splendor of your environment is a treat for the senses. We love the breathtaking blue skies, the warm sunlight, and the chirping of birds in the trees.
Keeping fit and healthy
When you spend time outdoors, breathe in the fresh air, and get your body moving, it improves your mental and physical health. You’ll be in better shape and have a much clearer head after your time outdoors.
Unplugging from modern living
Sometimes you need a break from the rush of modern living. Your mind gets to relax as you reflect on life and catch up with family and friends. A week outdoors recharges your mind and body, leaving you feeling refreshed and energetic.
Social Media Tips for Get Outdoors Week
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