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.

WALKING FOR A LONGER LIFE

Wilderness NZ

Letter of the month

ACCESS DENIED

ANOTHER OLD TENT MADE TO LAST

NON-EXISTENT TRACK SECTION

PICKING A GOOD BOOT

HEURISTICS AND MENTAL HEALTH

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

TRAMPING CLUBS MUCK IN POST-CYCLONE

New bridges in the works for Hollyford's Demon Trail

THESE HUTS HAVE SOME OF THE BEST VIEWS OF THE NIGHT SKY

NZ Alpine team adventures overseas

NZ MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL GEARING UP FOR 2023

WILDERNESS WORD

2023 Wilderness Photo Competition WINNERS • AS CLICHED AS IT SOUNDS, THE ENTRIES IN THE WILDERNESS PHOTO COMPETITION JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER AND IT'S A REAL PLEASURE TO GAZE THROUGH THE HUNDREDS – NEARLY A THOUSAND – OF ENTRIES AND LIVE A TRAMPING LIFE VICARIOUSLY THROUGH READER'S IMAGES.

Need new footwear? There's a prescription for that • For those wanting to go the distance in the Walk1200km challenge, looking after your feet is priority number one.

Everyday wonders • A few months into the Walk1200km challenge, walkers tell us about special moments on their walks; something magic – a jolt of unexpected wonder.

March #microchallenges • Each month we set three new #microchallenges to add interest and silliness to your kilometres.

#microchallenge 13-15 winners! • Want to win gear and vouchers from Walk1200km partners? Complete the #microchallenges as these Walk1200km participants have done and receive a Walk1200km badge. The best efforts receive a special prize from our partners!

SEE MORE… CUSHION PLANTS • Ground-hugging cushion plants are adapted to survive harsh winters. Here are five mountain locations to observe them.

SLEEP TIGHT WITH RAB • For more than 40 years, Rab has been making down-filled sleeping bags that will last a lifetime of use in the most trying conditions.

Bald Range camp, ARTHUR'S PASSNATIONAL PARK • Explore an untamed ridgeline offering stunning views across the Southern Alps, Lake Brunner and the Tasman Sea.

Mt Sunday Bivouac, MT RICHMOND FOREST PARK • A seldom-visited hut among enchantingly stunted forest in Marlborough's Mt Richmond Forest Park

Top Gorge Hut, RUAHINE FOREST PARK • Savour sweeping views en route to this secluded four-bunker in the upper Pohangina back blocks.

West Coast boulder-dash • A CHALLENGING WEST COAST CIRCUIT THAT TAKES IN SOME OF THE CLASSIC HUTS AND RIVERS OF THE AREA.

SEEKING SOLITUDE IN THE DEEP SOUTH • FOUR WOMEN EXPLORE THE CHALLENGE AND REWARD OF REMOTE EXPEDITIONS ON A TRAVERSE OF THE RUGGED DARK CLOUD RANGE IN SOUTHWEST FIORDLAND.

The volunteers who keep Te Araroa open • THE TE ARAROA TRUST RELIES EXTENSIVELY ON VOLUNTEERS THROUGH A NETWORK OF REGIONAL TRUSTS TO SUSTAIN, PROMOTE AND SUPPORT THE TRAIL.

Walking nine to five • WALKING TE ARAROA CAN TAKE AROUND THREE TO FOUR MONTHS; A BIG TIME COMMITMENT FOR MOST HIKERS. WILDERNESS SPEAKS TO THREE PEOPLE WHO LEFT THEIR JOBS FOR THE ULTIMATE TRAIL FREEDOM.

The five huts TA walkers rate as the best • ALL TE ARAROA HIKERS HAVE FAVOURITE HUTS. WE SPOKE TO FIVE THRU-HIKERS TO FIND OUT WHY THEY RATED THEIR HUT SO HIGHLY.

What's not in my pack? • ONE TE ARAROA WALKER DISCOVERS THAT WHAT'S NOT BEING CARRIED – MATERIAL LUXURIES, EMAIL, RESPONSIBILITIES OF HOME – IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE GEAR IN HER PACK.

How much does it cost to walk Te Araroa Trail? • EVEN THOUGH YOU'RE USING YOUR LEGS FOR TRANSPORT AND STAYING IN HUT AND TENTS FOR MUCH OF THE JOURNEY, WALKING TE ARAROA CAN COST FIVE FIGURES.

Essential gear...