Guidance from Elite Athlete Braden Currie on Competitive Training

In the picturesque town of Wanaka, New Zealand, resides Braden Currie - a triathlete, multi-sport, and adventure athlete with a passion for trail running. When he's not competing at the highest level, Currie can be found exploring the hills around Wanaka, armed with a carefully curated list of essentials.

Currie's running vest of choice is the Macpac Amp Ultra 10litre, accompanied by a Garmin Inreach mini, e-perb, rain jacket, Geotech long sleeve thermal and pants, gloves, hat, a first aid kit with a survival blanket, food, water, and a packet of Radix dehydrated food.

For those seeking a taste of Currie's favourite trails, he recommends the Rob Roy Track, recently improved to offer a wide and less technical trail. Another favourite is the Skyline Track, a challenging 23km journey that traverses between Isthmus and Mt Roy peaks, providing exposed and technical terrain.

The Rob Roy Track, approximately 10km long, is a beautiful trail that offers a more leisurely hike, while the Mount Isthmus track, a 16km hike, is more of a fast walk journey. This track offers stunning views across Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka.

Currie also recommends the Roys Peak Track and the Isthmus Peak Track for beginners, both offering breathtaking panoramic views. For hot weather and technical terrain, the Motatapu Track into the Fern Burn hut is a great option. On windy days, the Grandview Mountain Track, with its views over Lake Hawea, is a good choice.

To help you find these trails and plan your trip, the Plan My Walk app, available on our website, can assist. This app not only helps find a track near you, but also provides track alerts, weather forecasts, and an interactive gear list. It can even help with trip planning, assign an emergency contact, and share the plan.

Currie trains for 30-40 hours per week, so it's no surprise that he has a few more challenging runs up his sleeve. The Breast Hill track, a run/hike that varies in distance, with the first ascent being very technical and more of a scramble, is one such trail.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Wanaka's trails offer something for everyone. So, lace up your boots, grab your gear, and hit the trails with Braden Currie's recommendations as your guide.