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.

GREAT WALKS ARE EVERYWHERE

Wilderness

LETTER of the MONTH

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

TRAIL PASS INTRODUCED FOR TE ARAROA WALKERS

GOLDEN FOOT AWARD FOR WALK1200KM

11 GREATS WALKS IN 11 DAYS

SAVE US FROM SANDFLIES

FIRST AID TIPS FOR YOUR UPCOMING TRIP

BACKCOUNTRY TRUST CALLS FOR DONATIONS

REVAMP OF WĀNAKA TRAIL BRIDGES

TOO EARLY TO CAP NUMBERS ON THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

LEAP INTO SPRING • The dreary days of winter are soon to be replaced with the brighter days of spring.

A SHORT LITTLE GUIDE TO HUT ETIQUETTE

ANCIENT WRENS KNOW HOW TO ROCK • With the rock wren and rifleman, we get to see rockstar posturing and arboreal acrobatics.

MYSTERY MAP OF THE TARARUA RANGE RESTORED • After spending 25 years under tramper Linden Eagles’ bed, Map of part of the Tararua Range has been acquired and restored by Alexander Turnbull Library - but its provenance remains largely unknown.

IRON OUT THE CREASES • IRON HILL, Kahurangi National Park

Paretetaitonga, Tongariro National Park • Ruapehu's third-highest summit is one of several peaks soaring over Whakapapa. It's an alpine trip perfect for beginners that combines snow, a steaming lake and spectacular views.

Mt Cassidy via Cons Track, Arthur's Pass National Park • An achievable winter or spring summit for those with basic snowcraft skills, Mt Cassidy provides stunning views and enjoyable terrain.

Cape Palliser to White Rock, Wairarapa • Witness the power of the ocean along this wild stretch of Wellington's coast.

Tunnel Point Campground, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park • Ditch the city for a night of serene seclusion in one of Auckland's most remote coastal spots.

WEST IS BEST • Hiking the Frew–Toaroha Circuit is a chance to bag huts and explore some of the best tramping terrain in the country.

A date with greatness • Before setting foot on the trail, you must first decide which Great Walk is right for you.

The great business of GREAT WALKS TRANSPORT • Getting to and from a Great Walk can be quite a challenge. Wilderness asked some transport providers for tips, trends and how best to support local communities.

GREAT WALK TRANSPORT: THE LOW DOWN • Getting to and from a Great Walk needs to be planned, especially as some tracks’ start and finish points are hundreds of kilometres apart.

Great at any age • What's it like doing a Great Walk as a child? How about in your seventies? Great Walkers of all ages share their stories.

YOU ALWAYS TAKE THE WEATHER • It needn't be the scenery that makes a Great Walk memorable; it can be the weather.

MY FIRST GREAT WALK • That first Great Walk will always be memorable. Here three trampers share their experiences.

WHEN MAPS WERE SONGS • Before digital or paper maps, Māori used oral maps to navigate. If you're thinking of doing a Great Walk in Te Waipounamu, you can find Māori place names, their history and stories thanks to Kā Huru Manu, Ngāi Tahu's online atlas.

GEARING UP FOR A GREAT WALK • Jenna Heller is doing her first Great Walk in 30 years. She talks with gear editor Mark Watson about upgrading her tramping kit.

2024'S GUIDE TO HIKING BOOTS • LIGHTWEIGHT, FLEXIBLE HIKING BOOTS OFFER COMFORT AND SUPPORT ON FORMED TRAILS WHEN YOUR PACK WEIGHT IS RELATIVELY LIGHT.

2024'S GUIDE TO OVERNIGHT PACKS • AN OVERNIGHT PACK CAN BE USED FOR CAMPING OR HUT ADVENTURES, THOUGH A SMALLER CAPACITY PACK WOULD DO FOR THE LATTER.

GET TO KNOW YOUR TOPO MAP • Map reading is a...