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.

A LIGHTWEIGHT MINDSET

Wilderness

LETTER of the MONTH

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

SAFER WALKING WITH LAND SEARCH AND RESCUE

TRAMPING 101: THE BASICS

LOVE OUR HUTS THIS NOVEMBER

WHERE TO FIND WONDERFUL WILDFLOWERS THIS SPRING

DAMIANA DAY IS 'WALKING THE TALK'

FOR COMFORT AND WARMTH, CHOOSE RAB • After an exhausting day in the mountains, you need a good night’s sleep to allow your body the chance to recover. A quality sleeping mat is crucial to this as it provides warmth and comfort.

WALKING TO BETTER HEALTH • Three walkers, gunning for 1200km, share their stories of overcoming adversity.

#microchallenge 25-27 winners! • Complete the #microchallenges, as these Walk1200km participants have done, and receive a Walk1200km badge. The best effort in each challenge receives a special prize from our partners!

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

HOW TO MAKE YOUR TRAMPING GOAL A REALITY • Apply beginner tramper Kirsten Dixon’s tips for goal-setting in the outdoors to your next tramp or Great Walk

GLACIAL MOTION • Studies of Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe show the link between glacier recession and rising global temperatures

IF YOUR MATE OR YOUR DOG IS LOST, CALL DON • Nelson fish and chip shop owner Don Schwass provides expert tracking services all over the world, and is well known for his dog-tracking skills. He tells Wilderness about his experiences.

Isolated and inviting • Island huts aren’t so easy to get to, which makes them all the more worthwhile. Here are six of the best.

LAND OF LAVA • MANGATEPOPO VALLEY, Tongariro National Park

Healey Creek Hut, West Coast • A rugged climb to a tussock bench with spectacular views over the frontal ranges of the West Coast.

Mt Reeves Circuit, Tararua Forest Park • An attractive and relaxed loop with an extra treat for geography buffs.

Lauder Basin Hut, Lauder Basin Conservation Area • Walk or cycle through the heart of Central Otago’s high country to a cute two-bunk basic hut

Helicopter Hill, Craigieburn Forest Park • This family-friendly, dual-use track has panoramic views from the top.

PATHWAY TO PARADISE • A historic stock route over the Haupiri Range is a reminder of the tenacity of the miners and musterers who travelled these hills in search of gold and wool.

LIGHTENING THE LOAD, ONE STEP AT A TIME • For many trampers, ultralight gear is redefining what’s possible in the outdoors. We asked five ultralighters about the impact it has had on their adventuring.

ULTRA LIGHT PHILOSOPHY 101 • This minimalist mindset can help anyone find more enjoyment in the outdoors.

ULTRA LIGHT GEAR • Want to carry a lighter pack? Upgrade your kit with these lightweight options.

WESTPORT WONDER • The Westport community has thrown itself behind the new Kawatiri Coastal Trail, which is nearing completion and is already winning acclaim for its innovative design and diverse landscapes.

ROCKY POINT RUN AND TASTE BULLER

IT'S THE JOURNEY, NOT THE DESTINATION • On most journeys you’ll have a destination in mind, but that destination shouldn’t predominate.

GETTING FIT FOR A MULTI-DAY HIKE • Here are three actions to focus on now to ensure your summer trips are a success.

A SHORT LITTLE GUIDE TO WILDLIFE

LIGHTENING THE LOAD • Lynne Kroening is soon to resume overnight and multi-day tramping after a five-year hiatus. She asks gear...