Diversity In The Outdoors With Dua Asim

To begin, Hi! Please tell us a little bit about yourself

Hello! My name is Dua, I’m 24 years old and completely obsessed with all things nature and the outdoors. My love for hiking and camping started up at university as a way to balance out my time as a civil engineering student. It truly has been the best way to explore my backyard on a broke student budget – plus it keeps me strong and healthy. I grew up in Auckland and moved down to Christchurch for university. Up until moving down to Christchurch, I had never been on a hike or gone camping but I was surrounded by people who had. After the first lockdowns I was convinced to go on a group hiking trip, and I haven’t looked back. Saying yes to opportunities has made for some really amazing moments in my life.

You’re known for enjoying the great outdoors and for sharing your travels with your much-loved Instagram account, @duadiscovers. Your posts celebrate nature while making hiking feel accessible. What made you start this profile? And why do you think it resonates with so many?

I originally used my account as a way to share my adventures with friends and family back home in Auckland. Over time I realised there was a whole community of people out there who resonated with the ideas of exploring your own backyard, travelling New Zealand, or just trying something new as an adult. I enjoy sharing my adventures with other like-minded people because it gives me a creative outlet while also keeping myself encouraged to go out and explore more of NZ. I think my content resonates with others because it’s honest and genuine – I share both the good and bad bits of my adventures. My content also acts as a representation of Muslim/ethnic women in the outdoors which is something that is really needed!

Have you always had a keen interest in the outdoors?

I didn’t start exploring the outdoors until I was 20 years old. I thought I had missed the boat because I wasn’t like everyone else who had grown up hiking with their parents. But that was just a self-limiting belief. It truly is never too late to start something new. It can be hard as an adult to start a new hobby but it’s also really rewarding to get out of your comfort zone and find your passions.

International Women's Day 2024 campaign theme is 'Inspire Inclusion' - what does this mean to you?

I think it’s important to have diverse representation in every aspect of life. Because only through seeing someone like yourself in a space are you able to imagine yourself also in that space. I really enjoy putting myself out there so people can see ethnic women/Muslim women in the outdoor space. I didn’t have that type of representation growing up, so I want to be the representation that I needed as a girl growing up in NZ. I really want to make sure the next generation of Muslim/ethnic women has a source of representation for them in the outdoor space, so I’m just doing my part to make that happen.

What has your experience been like as a female hiker and what advice can you give to other women who’d like to get into exploring the outdoors?

Just start. Start with small walks in your neighbourhood and over time try out short day walks local to you until you can eventually expand to big day walks and maybe even overnight hikes. 4 years ago, I knew nothing about hiking and now I’ve done multiple overnight hikes as well as a 5-day hike! Consistency and determination are everything when it comes to hiking as a newbie.

How can we encourage more people to get amongst nature and enjoy the great outdoors?

I know for myself it was important to see other people enjoying nature and sharing how they do it. Transparency, access, and representation are the keys to getting more people out there. People need to know how to get out in nature, what tools they need and where they should go. Sharing that type of information openly and creating opportunities for people to learn these things will make a great impact.

Where are your favourite places to hike in New Zealand?

I love hiking amongst the Southern Alps, especially in winter when they’re covered in snow. The hike to welcome flat huts was one of my first proper hikes and the memory of it lives rent free in my brain. It was an amazing spot to visit and the natural hot pools at the hut were just the cherry on top. I honestly love any chance I can get to go on a walk in nature. We’re spoiled here in New Zealand with all the beautiful landscapes we have. Coastal walks, mountain summits and the forests all make for great places to explore and walk through. I hope to see as much of New Zealand by foot as possible!

How would you describe the impact that hiking has on your mental wellbeing?

Hiking allows me to move my body and get immersed in nature. I’ve found these two things to really help pull me out of a bad day. It also acts as a form of self-care for me. I try to get out for a hike or a walk at least once a week for my mental and physical wellbeing.

You inspire a lot of people through your travels, is there anyone that inspires you?

I’m constantly inspired by other people online and in person. Honestly there’s too many people to name them all but each person has helped me in some way on my journey. I’m most inspired by those that have walked the path I’m currently on. Either they have started a new hobby as an adult, or they are hikers, or they just love trying new things.

Where have you found yourself wearing your Teva sandals and how do they fit into your lifestyle?

You can wear Teva anywhere! From beach walks to river crossings and even day walks, my Teva sandals have been great. I imagine I’ll be using them as hut shoes or as river crossing shoes too. They’re lightweight and easy to carry so they’re an ideal pair of sandals to have when you’re hiking with an already heavy pack.

Keep up with Dua's adventures @duadiscovers or at duadiscovers.com