Welcome to NZ Raw
This is a blog about living in New Zealand, with a focus on exploring the outdoors, parenting, and photography. You’ll also find a few outdoor gear reviews – focusing on products that would appeal to those who love hiking, biking, and camping – thrown in for good measure.
![MacKintosh Beach family walk near Waipara](https://i0.wp.com/nzraw.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mackintosh-beach-waipara-walks-10.jpg?resize=495%2C400&ssl=1)
MacKintosh Beach Family Walk Near Waipara, North Canterbury
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Looking for a beach away from the crowds with lots for children to explore? Discover MacKintosh Beach in North Canterbury.
![Heliopters fighting the February 2024 Port Hills fire, Christchurch.](https://i0.wp.com/nzraw.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/aircraft-fighting-port-hills-fire-christchurch-2024.jpg?resize=495%2C400&ssl=1)
Port Hills Fire, Christchurch 2024
On 14th February 2024, Valentine's Day, a fire broke out on Christchurch's Port Hills. The next morning I took a few photos before work.
![Photos stuck syncing in Lightroom Classic](https://i0.wp.com/nzraw.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/photos-stuck-syncing-in-lightroom.png?resize=495%2C400&ssl=1)
Photos Stuck Syncing in Lightroom Classic? Here’s the Fix
Photos stuck syncing in Lightroom Classic? Here's a fix I found to clear those photos and finally see a clear sync queue once more.
![Picture Takashima Jacket Review](https://i0.wp.com/nzraw.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/picture-takashima-jacket-review-new-zealand.jpg?resize=495%2C400&ssl=1)
Review of the Picture Takashima Jacket
Considering a light-to-midweight insulated jacket for mild-to-cold weather hiking? Read my review of the Picture Takashima first.
![Family at a waterfall in New Zealand's South Island](https://i0.wp.com/nzraw.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/waterfalls-nz-800x600-1.jpg?resize=495%2C400&ssl=1)
Best Family Friendly Waterfalls of Mid-South Island New Zealand
A few of the best family-friendly waterfalls of Canterbury and the West Coast through the middle of the South Island of New Zealand.
![Garmin 66i GPS Device](https://i0.wp.com/nzraw.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/garmin-66i-gps-showing-map.jpg?resize=495%2C400&ssl=1)
Why I chose a Garmin 66i inReach GPS device
I wanted an SOS device to give me two-way communication while out hiking in New Zealand. This is why I chose a Garmin 66i inReach GPS device.
![Garmin 66i GSP device showing NZ Topo 50 maps](https://i0.wp.com/nzraw.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/garmin-66i-showing-new-zealand-topo-50-maps-1.jpg?resize=495%2C400&ssl=1)
How to add NZ topo maps to a Garmin GPS device (for free)
If you have a Garmin GPS device in New Zealand, then check out this method to download and install free NZ Topo 50 maps to your device.
![Peak Design Capture Clip v3 Backpack Clip](https://i0.wp.com/nzraw.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/review-peak-design-capture-clip-v3.jpg?resize=495%2C400&ssl=1)
Peak Design Capture Clip v3 Review
If you're looking for a camera clip for a backpack or belt, don't look past the best of the bunch; the Peak Design Capture Clip v3.
![Macpac Rain Cover Sizes](https://i0.wp.com/nzraw.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/macpac-rain-covers-on-packs.jpg?resize=495%2C400&ssl=1)
Macpac Waterproof Pack Cover Sizing
I ended up with three Macpac waterproof pack raincovers thanks to sizing which didn't quite fit my expectations, so I've put them all to the test here.