The true experience of exploration — the struggle, the beauty, and everything beyond
Who is Mols Gone Wild?
I’m Molly, a 25 year old kiwi who left New Zealand in 2023 to travel the world.
Although I have every intention to return to NZ one day, there are too many adventures still calling my name.
I was incredibly lucky to grow up in a country where outdoor adventures were always right on my doorstep. That’s where I fell in love with the mountains, the ocean, and the joy of exploring the wild.
Now I chase that same thrill around the world – from hiking remote trails to diving into new cultures.
My goal is to show the real side of the world – the beauty, the chaos, and the unforgettable moments in between.
Travel Philosophy & Cultural Respect
My approach to travel is grounded in respect for landscapes, wildlife, and the people who call these places home. I favour low-impact, thoughtful travel and seek to understand environments and cultures on their own terms rather than chasing highlights.
I care deeply about how travel affects local people and believe meaningful exploration should benefit the communities involved. Whenever possible, I support local guides, businesses, and initiatives, aiming to contribute positively rather than simply pass through.
Studying criminal justice and sociology deepened my curiosity about how societies function and how culture shapes daily life. When travelling, I prioritise listening, learning, and respecting cultural differences, approaching each place with openness and humility.
Relationship with the Outdoors
Growing up on a farm in New Zealand fostered a deep connection to the land and a natural comfort in remote environments. It shaped my respect for animals, weather, and the realities of working outdoors, instilling a practical mindset that continues to influence how I approach adventure and exploration.
Over time, that connection grew into a deep love for mountains, long-distance hiking, and wild camping. I am most at home in remote landscapes where life is stripped back to the essentials and each day is shaped by terrain, weather, and the rhythm of the journey.
Conservation & Wildlife Ethics
Wildlife and conservation are deeply important to me. Many of the places I visit are fragile ecosystems, and I believe exploration comes with responsibility. I aim to showcase these environments in a way that fosters appreciation rather than exploitation, encouraging audiences to value preservation as much as adventure.
Growing up in New Zealand instilled a deep respect for the natural world and the unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. From an early age, there is a strong awareness of how human actions can impact vulnerable species and ecosystems, which has shaped how I approach travel — prioritising care, restraint, and a long-term view of protecting the places I am fortunate to experience.
Why I Share my Journey
In a world where travel is often reduced to curated images and bucket-list checkboxes, I aim to highlight the real, raw experience, the challenges as well as the beauty — and reconnect people with what meaningful travel can truly feel like.
I share my journeys to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a deeper connection to the outdoors, especially for those who may feel that remote adventure is out of reach.
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