Listen: Miriam Lancewood

30 March 2026 First published RNZ

Miriam Lancewood's plan was to spend ten days in Kahurangi National Park - taking no food with her, just living off what she could shoot and forage. 

She wanted to test her abilities without the company of her usual companion, husband Peter. But after seven days, no animals had appeared and her hunger nearly consumed her.

It was a transformative moment. Miriam's written two previous books about her simple wilderness lifestyle, but this one - Alone in the World - documents her travels by herself, as she considers the future without Peter, who's suffering from kidney failure.

 From traversing the Himalayas, to hiking through Tajikistan and hitch-hiking across Turkey, Miriam looks at life from a unique perspective.

The book includes advice on how to live simply and prepare for the unexpected - as well as practical tips and tricks for survival outdoors - like how to light fires, cross rivers and camp solo. 

She spoke with Kathryn Ryan on Nine to Noon.