This isn't a holiday, its a reckoning
Adventures for men ready to wake up, shake loose, and see what’s left in the tank.
What is the Hard Way Around?
A curated mix of men’s adventure travel, bold experiences, and shared storytelling.
We run guided trips that challenge and recharge. And we back a growing community where men suggest, shape, and join the kinds of journeys they need right now.
The Hard Way Around Signature Trips
16 April 2026
10 Night Sri Lanka Tuk Tuk adventure
$5,500 NZD per lad
TBD - Sri Lanka
Register Your Expression of Interest
through our Community
23 April 2026 Philippines
10 Night Island active exploration
$5,200 per lad
Community Initiatives
Base Camp
Looking for members
Find your Tribe and your Vibe
Looking for members
WHY CHOOSE US?
Built for Men Ready to Say Yes to the Next Chapter
This isn’t about escaping life. It’s about grabbing it by the collar and shaking things up. The Hard Way Around is for men ready to swap autopilot for adventure, challenge, and connection—with a bit of dirt, discomfort, and discovery along the way.
The Reset You Did Not Know You Needed
These are not off the shelf tours. Each one is built to give men the outlet they need — physical, mental, emotional. Tested for the right mix of friction, challenge, camaraderie and space to come home different.
A Community for Men Who Still Crave the Edge
This is a space where men can bring their wild ideas, bold questions, or half-formed plans—and find others who say, “Let’s make that happen.” From tuk-tuk races to mountain crossings, we incubate trips that start with a spark and grow into something unforgettable.
Led by Experience, Backed by Expertise
Ron’s been designing journeys for over a decade through Spirit of Travel. With The Hard Way Around, he’s channeling that into something personal—bringing together good men, great stories, and the kind of travel that leaves a mark. Not on Instagram. On you.
A Word from the Lads (TESTIMONALS)
Brett O'Donnell
David Melse
Peter Dalman
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it men only?
These trips are built to offer space for men to challenge themselves, unplug from day to day roles, and reconnect with who they are outside of responsibilities. It is not anti anyone – it is just a rare space built for men, with men, to go deep and do hard things.
Can women join any of the trips?
No. The Hard Way Around is intentionally built as a space for men, and we do not plan on changing that. However, our parent company, Spirit of Travel, specialises in designing custom journeys for individuals, couples, families, and groups of all kinds. If you are looking for a different style of travel, we would be happy to help through that channel.
Learn more here:
www.spiritoftravel.co.nz
How do the Community Trips work?
Any member can pitch an idea. Others can express interest, offer input, and when there is momentum, we help make it real – with logistics, safety, and planning handled.
What is included in the trip cost?
Each trip is different, but generally you can expect accommodation, key transport, support crew, some meals, and a few unexpected extras. Flights are usually separate.
Is this a big piss-up?
No. This is not a boozy lads’ trip. The Hard Way Around is about good clean fun, the kind that comes from doing something slightly dangerous, unfamiliar, and hard. It is about challenge, adventure, and coming home with a story worth telling, not a hangover.
Is this a midlife crisis club?
Not really. It is more like a midlife clarity club. No therapy circles, no judgment, just honest adventure with other men who get it.
Most guys are aged 35 to 60 – some are successful but restless, some need a reset, some are chasing something they cannot name yet. You do not need to be loud, extreme, or outdoorsy, just open to something different.
