Friends of Gramicci: Exploring New Zealand with Breanna Hurst

Breanna recently spent some time exploring New Zealand’s incredible outdoors, from mountains and glaciers to lakes and trails. In this edition of Friends of Gramicci, she shares her experiences, her approach to adventure, and her thoughts on balancing style with function on the move.

1. Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background, your work, and how you first got involved in the outdoor and adventure space?

Hi! I’m Breanna, a travel and lifestyle content creator based in Australia. I love sharing the places I explore, mixing adventure with fashion and everyday life. I grew up constantly outdoors. My dad would take me hiking, camping, road-tripping, and dirt bike riding up and down Australia’s East Coast. I’d say that’s definitely where my love for the nature started. And from a young age I was obsessed with filming and photographing everything, so content and the outdoors kind of collided naturally. In the past few years I’ve been traveling a lot more, discovering new places and picked up an obsession for snowboarding which has really reignited my love for the mountains and being outside.

2. You just travelled across New Zealand, what was your experience exploring the country’s outdoors, and what were the standout moments or highlights of your trip?

New Zealand honestly blows my mind every time. It feels like everywhere you look is a postcard. The highlight was definitely hiking the Earnslaw Burn track. It was my first overnight hike and reaching the glacier at the end felt surreal. There’s something about earning the view that makes you appreciate it on a deeper level. Driving out through Mt Aspiring National Park and then camping at Lake Hawea. Waking up to the sunrise over the mountains felt like pure magic paired with a spicy wood fire sauna and icy cold lake dip combo, that had to be my favourite morning of the trip. I just love how accessible adventure is there… you can be in a cute café one minute and then standing in front of a massive waterfall an hour later. It’s impossible not to fall in love with a place like that.

3. What outdoor activities or adventure experiences do you think everyone should try at least once, and why do they resonate with you?

Snowboarding (or skiing) nothing compares to the feeling of carving through fresh snow with your mates, surrounded by mountains. It’s the perfect mix of freedom, fun, and adrenaline. And hiking for sure. Moving your body in nature and disconnecting from everything else. Even the hard parts end up becoming your favourite memories. Both remind me how small we are in the best way possible.

4. How do you usually prepare for an outdoor adventure? Do you have any rituals, habits, or planning steps—like checking conditions or mapping your route—that help you feel ready before heading out?>

I usually check trail conditions and recent reviews on AllTrails, it’s super helpful to know what to expect. But honestly… sometimes you just have to send it 😂 Some of my best adventures have been the ones where the weather turned and I’ve ended up soaked by rain and laughing the whole way back to the car. I like to know the basics, but I also think that not every experience needs to be perfectly planned. A hike to me is about the whole journey - the mishaps, the snacks, the scenery. Not just the final view!

5. How did you first come across Gramicci, and what were your first impressions of the brand?

I first found Gramicci while scouring the internet for good fitting baggy outdoor pants… which is surprisingly very hard to find! My first impression was that Gramicci completely understands the intersection of style and technical function. Their designs are unique, the fits are amazing, and the quality is something you notice straight away. Their pieces have become wardrobe (and suitcase) staples for me.

6. When choosing outdoor clothing, what key features do you look for? Are there any Gramicci pieces you personally love or would recommend to others?

I love pieces with personality. Interesting details, unique silhouettes, things that make people ask “where’s that from??” Some favourites: Northside Plaid Hooded Jacket - I’m obsessed with plaid right now and the dark brown colour way is perfection. Gramicci x Merrell Vibram Moab 2 Siren - I love that they come with different lace colour options. I swapped one shoe with pink and one with black laces and it’s such a fun and interesting way to elevate the look with a mismatched vibe. Of course the Nylon Balloon Pant - the coolest hiking pants I own and probably just the coolest pants I own in general. I sized up for an extra baggy look and the fit is unreal. The unique pockets are such an interesting detail too!

7. How do you express your personal style when you're outdoors, and what advice would you give for balancing performance with aesthetics?

I find that I gravitate toward oversized silhouettes, cool textures, and earthy tones. Layering is my favourite way to express style while still being warm and comfortable. My biggest tip is to start with technical pieces that perform well, then use layers and accessories to elevate the aesthetic.