Meet Elina Osborne, videographer and outdoor enthusiast
Introducing our next outsider, Elina; a storyteller, adventurer, and self-confessed peanut butterer.
An avid hiker, she shares one of her favourite (and most challenging) tracks with us in the Outsiders Guide.
Where: Tararua Ranges, Wairarapa
What: Hike through the ranges
“Low visibility, low inhibitions. Extra points if you make it through in one piece.”
Elina grew up in Te Atatū, West Auckland. With nature on her back doorstep, it's a small wonder why she’s become such an advocate for adventure. Whether she’s hiking, trail running or simply camping with a bunch of friends, she’s always got her camera in tow to capture the beauty of the outdoors.
Take a look at our conversation with Elina, finding out where her passion for the outdoors sprouted, and how she’s turned her love into a living.
Elina - you truly live and breathe the outdoors. Tell us about what you do for a living - how do you balance your work v getting outside
I still struggle to encapsulate it in a sentence - but it all falls under the umbrella of video-producing. I edit documentaries, create YouTube videos and I’m currently developing my own feature documentary. It helps that half of my work is outdoor-oriented (hiking-niche), so being in the outdoors is part of my work. When I’m in an “off-season” of being based inside more, then I need something like a trail-race to train for to ensure I get enough time outside and in nature!
What about the outdoors has so deeply resonated with you?
Indigenous cultures have long had it right; “I am the land, the land is me.” The outdoors are so important to me personally because it provides me a space for grounding, for feeling connected to myself, and in a more woo way; the universe, ha.
What are your favourite ways of getting off grid and making the most of our New Zealand backdrop
I recently fell in love with trail running! It requires a lot less prep than say, an overnight hike - but I also love hiking; overnighters, or even car camping with a bunch of mates. New Zealand does have a lot to offer as a backdrop, but I’d say the times I’ve gone off-grid and enjoyed it the most is with a beautiful group of friends, having conversations we otherwise wouldn’t because of the environment and space nature provides.
Tell us about a NZ adventure you’ll never forget
Hiking Te Araroa amidst New Zealand’s borders being closed was an adventure I’ll forever keep close to my heart!
What’s something that you always make sure to pack when you’re headed on a mission?
Peanut butter. Every time.
What’s a song that you always play on a adventure/mission?
I have so many! But I played Alaska - Maggie Rogers a lot when I walked from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. Also Green Light - Lorde (any tracks with good beats to walk to). Recently I was introduced to the song “Rock It” - Little Red. An oldie, but oh man - this one hits every time.
If you could go on a one month adventure anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
I’d head to Japan and walk the Michinoku Trail!
Any adventures planned for 2023?
At the beginning of April I start an 800-mile trail known as the Hayduke. It’s not much of a trail, but goes through five national parks in Utah, and a little bit of Arizona. I don’t think I’ve yet comprehended how insane it’s going to be, but I’m stoked.
