Wilderness

Each issue of Wilderness takes its readers to the most beautiful areas in New Zealand, whether by foot, mountain bike, sea kayak, raft, pony or dream.

EDITORIAL

Wilderness

LETTER of THE MONTH

Your trips, YOUR PIX • What did you get up to last weekend?

TRAMP SAFELY THIS YEAR WITH A PLB • A personal locator beacon takes the ‘search’ out of search and rescue. They're compact, lightweight and, when compared to the potential cost of not carrying one, inexpensive. One should be carried on every trip – no matter how short.

TWO PLBS TO CONSIDER

SUMMER A NEW START FOR THE HEAPHY TRACK

PIKE29 MEMORIAL TRACK OPENS THIS MONTH

SEND NOODS

A YEAR IN: what NZ's newest tramping club in Hokitika is up to

THE BEST TRACKS FOR SPOTTING NATIVE BIRDLIFE

The joys and rewards of urban walking • The Walk1200km challenge doesn't have to be done in the wilderness. Urban walks can be just as refreshing for your body and mind.

IDEAS TO ENHANCE YOUR URBAN WALKING

Beautiful sights • Wilderness walking allows nature's most marvellous sights to be seen. But when we asked the Walk1200km group what is the most beautiful or breathtaking sight encountered while on a walk, we were blown away. You will be too once you get your shoes on. Here's a selection of responses.

#microchallenge 1-3 winners! • Complete the #microchallenges as these Walk1200km participants have done, and receive a Walk1200km badge. The best efforts receive a special prize from our partners!

FEBRUARY 2024 #MICROCHALLENGES

MISTAKES? I'VE MADE A FEW • Tramping is often an individual learn-by-experience activity. What are some typical beginner's issues or potentially costly mistakes a novice tramper could avoid?

See more… Mavis • Four locations significant in the life of pioneering outdoorswoman Mavis Davidson.

UP SISYPHUS • SISYPHUS PEAK, MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK

Kahutara Bivouac, Clarence Reserve • This route involves traversing rugged tops above Kahutara River where incredible views are gained of the Pacific as well as the Inland and Seaward Kaikōura ranges.

Hacket Hut, Mount Richmond Forest Park • A beautiful river walk among relics of New Zealand's mining history.

Wairere Stream, Tongariro National Park • Choose a baking hot summer's day to enjoy the wonderland and natural waterpark of the Wairere Stream, a short and easy walk from Whakapapa Village.

Tarawera Trail, Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve • This peaceful 15km track goes through lush native forest before arriving at Lake Tarawera and a hot-water beach.

A walk on the wild side • The mountainous wilderness of Westland's Hokitika catchments provides endless tramping combinations, from trips of a weekend to 10 days or more.

Lighter made locally • Cottage industries making tramping gear are taking off around the country. We find out who's behind some of them, what gear they're making and why.

Fabric – the basics

Which cottage industry pack? • NEW ZEALAND'S COTTAGE INDUSTRY GEAR COMPANIES MAKE A RANGE OF GEAR. HERE ARE SOME OF THEIR BEST-SELLING NEW ZEALAND-MADE ULTRALIGHT PACKS.

Confessions of A BACKCOUNTRY HUT WARDEN • One of the joys of being a volunteer hut warden is the chance to take the pulse of the modern outdoors. You meet all sorts of people, and can measure the zeitgeist.

Tramping in SUMMER • Be prepared for the conditions in order to better enjoy your summer tramping.

A SHORT LITTLE GUIDE TO COMPFIRES

MISO SOBA NOODLE SOUP • Rehydrate, replace lost salts and fill your stomach with this one-pot soup.

What's in MY PACK • Multi-day tramper Mathew Denys

LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD WITH A HIKING POLE TENT • Tents that pitch with your...