I’ll admit it: I’m addicted. Not to coffee (well, that too), but to naturing. It started small, a quick stroll outside, a sneaky breath of fresh air. Next thing I know, I’m knee-deep in bush tracks, whispering encouragement to kererū, and declaring “this counts as exercise” while holding a pie.
Let’s zoom in on a classic naturing move: the walk.
Walking might sound simple, but with these tips, you’ll be naturing like a pro.
Step 1: Dress the Part
The best thing about naturing is there’s no dress code. Depending on what you’re doing, you’ll see it all: people in activewear that look straight out of an ad campaign, gumboots from the farm, jandals and a sunhat at the beach. Basically, whatever you wear instantly becomes “naturing gear”. As long as it’s right for the activity and the conditions, you’re good to go.
Pro tip: pack an extra layer, because naturing weather loves a surprise.
Step 2: Embrace the Awkward Moments
Naturing isn’t all poetic bird song and Instagram sunsets. Sometimes it’s tripping over a tree root like you’re in a slapstick comedy. Sometimes it’s noticing a harmless-but-scary-looking insect crawling across your sleeve and giving you a mini heart attack. These moments? That’s peak naturing. Own it.
Step 3: Snack Like a Pro
Half the joy of naturing is snacks. The rule is simple: whatever food you bring outdoors instantly becomes gourmet. Warm squashed muesli bar at the bottom of your bag? Five-star cuisine. Banana bruised to oblivion? Still a delicacy.
Remember: calories consumed while naturing don’t count. (Probably.)
Step 4: Know When to Say “I’m Naturing”
Next time someone asks what you’re doing this weekend, skip the boring “oh, just going for a walk.” Look them straight in the eye and declare, “I’ll be naturing.” Watch as they nod respectfully, unsure what it means but too embarrassed to ask. That’s power.
Step 5: Keep Calm and Keep Naturing
Naturing isn’t a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. A calling. A spiritual obligation to trip over logs, get sand in weird places, and develop a deep appreciation for tui singing louder than your morning alarm. Once you start, you’ll never stop.
The best part? There are heaps of great spots for naturing all over Aotearoa, and the DOC website is your ultimate guide. From hidden walking tracks to iconic national parks, you can plan adventures, keep up to date on safety and weather advice, discover tips, and even learn about the native plants and wildlife you might meet along the way.
So grab your boots, pack your snacks, and keep embracing the art of naturing, whether it’s around the corner from your house or in the heart of a forest. Because life is just better when you’re always naturing.
Is there a “grace period” for Step 3 for when you have finished naturing? I am sometimes so excited about naturing that I forget to take supplies and when I’m finished, I’m also famished. I think 30 minutes sounds about right, but I thought it best to check, so I can’t be accused of making stuff up.
I’ve been naturing for many years now and have found your steps 1 to 3 spot on as descriptions. Thank you for putting into print this awesome hobby. Step 4 is great advice that I now intend to put to full use. Step 5 is something to take along on my next naturing session later today to cogitate upon. Thanks DOC for being a true ‘enabler’.
I just read “The Secret Art of Naturing: A Beginner’s Guide” and really enjoyed it. It strikes a perfect balance between playful encouragement and genuine enthusiasm for connecting with nature. I appreciated how the author breaks down nurturing into simple, relatable steps that invite everyone to slow down, embrace the outdoors, and find joy in the little moments whether that’s rugged tracks, quirky snack breaks, or simply declaring “I’m naturing.” The article makes nature feel accessible and fun while reminding us why spending time outside matters, both for our well-being and our appreciation of the natural world. It’s a refreshing and inspiring piece that anyone can relate to and act on.
Great stories and messages, Euro tourists use the description Love the nature of NZ. Parent Rule 1 introduce your kids to Nature from day one
Can you repeat the message about not taking dogs even on a leash into any DoC site. It can be really scary for all those that have had a challenge with a dog. Many farmers will let you take your dog with you for a walk in their hill country.
I love the idea of naturing being all about embracing the messiness of nature! Tripping over roots or getting startled by bugs only adds to the fun. It’s so freeing to be outside without worrying about being perfect.
I was naturing with the TV on games channels Italy. Very surprised to see their Mascot a STOAT IF ONLY they knew about NEW ZEALAND.
We saw that too Glenn! It gave us a chuckle. But in their natural environment they’re kind of cute. 😉
Step 6: Take Pix
Step 7: post to iNaturalist
Cute. Keep going. At this rate you’ll have ALL the young ones getting into it. Could use some viral video of weta crawling under someone’s collar or weka stealing lunch (not that that’s cool, but …)
With love from Tōtaranui … paradise on earth. Can’t move for weka and pukeko!
My friend was naturing recently and had a weka adventure. As a ‘Pom’ she had her little sheep and kiwi travel toys lined up for a nature photograph when a cheeky weka pops out and grabs the toy sheep and disappears into the foliage. It wasn’t able to be found.
Love your humour. It’s impossible not to exclaim dramatically over every perfect little Nature discovery. Eg. the discovery of a brilliant red Swamp Maire berry on the brown leaf littered path recently. “Oh my GOODNESS!”. Such constant joy and wonderment.
And yes, I love the word Naturing, even though I can be an English Language Grammar Policewoman.
Kindred spirits are always welcome. And I wear dresses quite often on our working bee days.
I especially love this statement: “Look them straight in the eye and declare, “I’ll be naturing.” Watch as they nod respectfully, unsure what it means but too embarrassed to ask. That’s power.”
Woohoo!