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.

SHAUN BARNETT, 1969—2024

Wilderness

Letter of the month

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

SHAUN BARNETT, A MAN OF THE BACKCOUNTRY AND EMINENT TRAMPER • A tribute to a great writer and photographer who did more than anyone to encourage knowledge and appreciation of New Zealand’s wild places.

WHAT COLOUR SHOULD A HUT BE?

REMOTE TRACKS NEED YOUR HELP

VOLUNTEER TRACK UPGRADES SAVE DOC A PRETTY PENNY

ACCESS TO FORESTS

HAVE MATES, WILL WALK • What are the secret ingredients that make a walking duo work?

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WALKING MATE

#microchallenge 16-18 winners! • Complete the #microchallenges, as these Walk1200km participants have done, and you could receive a Walk1200km badge. The best effort in each challenge receives a special prize from our partners!

JULY 2024 #MICROCHALLENGES • Each month, three new #microchallenges are set to add interest and silliness to your kilometres.

A TALE OF TWO SONGSTERS • In a tūī versus korimako head-to-head, which bird comes out on top?

INTRUDERS IN THE NIGHT • A stirring in the night and a slight scratching noise may not be your tramping companion. It could be a furry or feathered visitor ‘dining’ out while you sleep.

IT'S A GUIDE'S LIFE • Some people hibernate in winter, but for mountain guides it can be the busiest time of year. Three guides tell Wilderness what got them into winter guiding, and why they love it.

A DAY MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE • OMANUI MCKINNON PASS, FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK

Mt O'Malley, Arthur's Pass National Park • Enjoy quintessential Arthur’s Pass scenery on this day trip to the summit of Mt O’Malley. It comes with a pretty tarn and grand views from the summit.

Mangaehuehu Hut, Tongariro National Park • A stunning winter out-and-back with three huts to bag

Tangihua Hut, Northland • Walk in one of Northland’s podocarp forests not far from Whangārei, to one of only six huts in the region.

Nicholsons Hut via Obelisk, Kopuwai Conservation Area • A wonderful trip with incredible views and overnight options for hiking, mountain biking and ski touring.

THE KEPLER OF THE NORTH • Like Wellington city, the Holdsworth–Jumbo Circuit is hard to beat on a good day.

11 winter weekend GETAWAYS

STOKE YOUR FIRE • There’s nothing better than a warm hearth in winter. Here’s how to play it fire safe.

GAMBOLLING IN THE GOULTER • A relaxing circuit in Mt Richmond Forest Park includes river rambling and attractive cascades, a lake and several huts.

THERE'S A HIKING LIFE AFTER MENOPAUSE • Perimenopause can be a difficult time for women, and some may find they no longer enjoy spending time in the outdoors. These women suggest ways to maintain your tramping mojo.

GET TO KNOW YOUR TRAMPING PACK • A comfortable, durable pack is essential for fun and safe tramping. It should fit well and move with you. Packs come in different fabrics and styles and can have many features and adjustments. Multi-day tramping packs typically range in size from 45–80 litres.

A SHORT LITTLE GUIDE TO BEING A GOOD ADVENTURE PARTNER

What's in MY PACK • Back to the Wild founder, Sonia Barrish

Aarn Featherlite Freedom Pro • $694 / 1506G, WITH BALANCE POCKETS – SPORT (S) / 50, 55 + 12 LITRES

Osprey Talon Velocity 20 • $320 / 880G (M), 821G (W) / 20L

2024'S GUIDE TO FLEECES • MID-LAYER FLEECES PROVIDE LUSH WARMTH AND DEPENDING ON THEIR END USE WILL BE DESIGNED TO BE WORN BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER ACTIVITY. LOOK FOR GARMENTS WITH...