In the News
Jennifer, her pilgrimage walking and her family’s adventures have been covered in a range of media, with her books Parallel Lives, A Will and a Way and The Only Way is Up widely reviewed. Get a taste of their experience in the following selection of print and broadcast coverage.
If you have a question or would like to arrange an interview, please contact me.
On pilgrimage walking
Radio New Zealand Nine to Noon – March 2026
When she was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s, Jennifer Andrewes took up walking as a way to fend off the condition. This includes a number of European pilgrimages where she has covered thousands of kilometres – which she has written three books about. Jennifer talks to Kathryn about the impact getting on her feet has had on her health and life. Listen to the interview.
Otago Daily Times – March 2026
Dunedin-born avid walker Jennifer Andrewes took up long-distance walking when diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s in 2019 and in 2024 walked the 2400km Via Francigena from Canterbury to Rome. This is an extract from her book on the journey, The Only Way is Up. Read the extract.
OAR FM – March 2026
Wellington-based author Jennifer Andrewes discussed her 2400km pilgrimage to Rome, “The Only Way is Up,” with Jeff Harford. Listen to the interview.
Plains FM BookEnz – March 2026
With a life long passion for books and for New Zealand authors, programme hosts Morrin Rout and Mary-Anne Stone utilize their wealth of experience to bring you Bookenz, a weekly programme featuring the latest new books and their authors, from both New Zealand and abroad. Listen to the interview.
Newstalk ZB The Nutter’s Club – March 2026
A New Zealand woman diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease has transformed a life-changing diagnosis into a remarkable journey of endurance, perspective and purpose, undertaking thousands of kilometres of long-distance walking across Europe. Listen to the discussion.
NZ Booklovers Q&A – March 2026
Jennifer Andrewes is a New Zealand-based writer whose life journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and an unstoppable spirit. As a child, Dunedin-born Jennifer Andrewes spent time living in France, kicking off a lifelong love affair with the country. An avid walker, Jennifer first joined a local walking group to meet people and explore the local countryside while working as a language teaching assistant in Dunkerque. Thirty years later, she’s hooked! Read the Q&A.
Radio Rhema, Where do you find God? – March 2026
‘Faith is the rhythm of putting one step in front of the other, rather than the destination’ Jennifer Andrewes, Author of – The Only Way is Up On Foot to Rome talks with Lizzie Oakes about her journey of Long-Distance Walking while living with early on set Parkinson’s. Listen to the interview.
OAR FM – March 2025
In February 2020, at the age of 48, Jennifer Andrewes was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s. Inspired to walk off her symptoms, soon afterwards she set out on an 1800 km pilgrimage across France, walking two ancient routes in search of healing, clarity, and joy. Listen to the interview.
Radio New Zealand Nine to Noon – April 2025
Jennifer turned to European pilgrimages after receiving a lifechanging diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s. A long-term connection to France drew her to those parts of the traditional Camino trails, walking a collective 1,800kms in two stints. A Will and A Way is a newly released book recounting the experience and her motivation to keep walking for as long as she can. She speaks with Paddy Gower. Listen to the interview.
NZ Woman’s Day – April 2025
What shocked Jennifer was the information that she probably only had five years of able-bodied movement left. That was in 2020, but the plucky Wellingtonian has proved doctors wrong. She has walked thousands of kilometres across France since her diagnosis. Read the article.
The Post – April 2025
Jennifer reflects on why she walks. I put off doing the Camino for so long because there was always the excuse of not having enough money or time, but after my diagnosis I realised that life really is too short not to do the things that give me joy.” Read the article.
NZ Booklovers – April 2025
As a child, Dunedin-born writer and author Jennifer Andrewes spent time living in France, kicking off a lifelong love affair with the country. An avid walker, Jennifer first joined a local walking group to meet people and explore the local countryside while working as a language teaching assistant in northern France. Thirty years later, she’s hooked! Read the article.
North and South magazine – April 2025
When Jennifer was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s in 2020, at the age of 48, she set out on an 1800km pilgrimage across France. In an extract from her book A will and a way: on foot across France, she writes first she was angry, then she started walking. Read the article.
Capsule NZ – April, May 2025
When Jennifer was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson’s, she decided to start walking – and she hasn’t stopped. Read part one of the two-part series.
In Part Two of a two-part story, we talk to Jennifer Andrewes, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s aged 48, walked the Camino in France and Spain – and has written a book about it. Read part two of the series.
Otago Daily Times – March 2025
Jennifer talks about her past and future pilgrimage plans, and how walking helps keep her fit and well while living with the condition of early-onset Parkinson’s. Read the article.
Life and Leisure Magazine
Dunedin-born Wellington-based Jennifer Andrewes registered with Walk1200 in 2021 in preparation for a 40-day walk across France and over the Pyrenees, an 800-kilometre section of the Camino de Santiago. Read the article.
On living in France
PlainsFM ‘Paris s’eveille’ podcast – October 2019
Jennifer talks to Antonio Viselli about her adventures in this PlainsFM programme, dedicated to all things French and brought to you by the Alliance Francaise Christchurch. Listen to the interview
Radio New Zealand Nine to Noon – August 2019
Jennifer has written about her search for a new life – indeed a double life – in a love letter to the village of Quillan. Eventually, Jennifer bought a house in a village of just fifty people. Lynn Freeman hears Jennifer’s story and asks about the impacts in-comers like her are having there. Listen to the interview
Next Magazine – January 2019
“Lots of people said, ‘Goodness that’s bold,’ or ‘That must’ve been scary.’ But in some ways it’s harder to stay put and think, ‘I wonder what I might’ve experienced?’ and having that regret.” Read the article.
Groove FM Wellington – September 2018
Tim Gruar talks to author Jennifer Andrewes about what led her to quit her job and head for the French hills. Listen to the interview.
Unity Books – September 2018
“I imagine a lot of us have dreamt of taking off to Europe for a few glorious seasons – Jennifer Andrewes has done just that, spending four seasons in the French Pyrenees, and managed to write a book about it. Find out more including which famous actress (or two) would play her in the film adaption of her story and where her favorite place is to write.” Read the interview.
NZ Booklovers – September 2018
“If you’ve ever considered spending time living in France with your family, this book is required reading! Jennifer writes openly, sharing personal insights and experiences in an engaging way. ” Read the review and Read the interview.
The Good Life France – September 2018
“This book is simply un-put-downable. Whether like me you are an expat who loves reading about other regions of this amazing country, you love visiting France on holiday, are considering moving here, or you simply enjoy taking a wonderful fly-on-the-wall glimpse into other people’s lives, this book will keep you captivated until the very last page.” Read the review.
