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.

The wonder of it all

Wilderness

LETTER of THE MONTH

LAST WEEKEND

ITEMS FOR A TRAMPING FIRST-AID KIT

TREATING SIMPLE INJURIES

BRAIN TUMOUR TREATMENT FOR ROVING EDITOR SHAUN BARNETT

AN OVARY LONG WALK

GIVE BLOOD, SAVE TRAMPERS LIVES

UNEXPECTED MOMENTS OF JOY • Wilderness team members share a favourite moment from their tramping adventures.

CANYONING SEASON BEGINS

How Walk1200km helped me prepare for Te Araroa • The longest walk in New Zealand is a daunting undertaking, but for this walker preparing physically and psychologically was made easier by the Walk1200km challenge.

Walking is the reward • For this Walk1200km participant, no day is complete without a walk.

#microchallenge 34-36 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!

TE ARAROA, SLOWLY • IT HAS TAKEN 21 YEARS, BUT THIS COUPLE EVENTUALLY MADE IT FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

PLANS THWARTED? THAT'S OKAY • No matter how much effort we put into planning a wilderness trip, circumstances can conspire against us. But a willingness to adapt can sometimes lead to a satisfying and successful outcome.

High achievers • Thirty years ago, Richard and Kevin Ackerley took 125 days to travel from the North Island’s East Cape to Fiordland’s West Cape, an expedition described as ‘one of the greatest wilderness journeys ever done in New Zealand’.

See more … ACCESSIBLE WILD COASTLINES • Four magnificent and accessible wild coastal walks, each within reach of a significant city.

MOUNTAIN SOLITUDE • AVALANCHE PEAK, ARTHUR’S PASS NATIONAL PARK

Mt White, Hāwea Conservation Park • This is the perfect spring trip -there’s still snow on the ground and on a good day the views will be memorable.

Mangatainoka Campsite, Kaweka Forest Park • Soak in natural hot springs next to the wild and scenic Mohaka River, deep in the Kaweka Range.

McGregor Bivouac via Baldy, Tararua Forest Park • This is a fun and challenging overnighter (or longer) over the famous Broken Axe Pinnacles to reach a two bunk shelter deep in the Tararua Range.

Mt Torlesse, Korowai/Torlesse Tussocklands Park • Mt Torlesse offers a challenging climb and breathtaking panoramic views of Canterbury’s mountain ranges and plains.

Adventures in karst land • Exploring Kahurangi National Park’s karst landscape to the south of Mt Arthur offers a wild yet easily accessible adventure.

THE EVERYDAY WONDER OF TRAMPING

The soundtrack of a tramping friendship • Time spent outside helps forge friendships – and a love for U2 – that can last a lifetime.

The sanctuary OF A HUT • They come in all sorts, shapes and sizes. They can be smelled before being seen, and they're part of what makes the New Zealand backcountry so wonderful.

TRIPPING THE LIGHT FANTASTIC • A night in the wilderness is a chance to be put back in touch with the natural rhythms of light and dark.

Feathered encounters • Whether it’s whio, pīwakawaka, kea, tūī or robins, an encounter with a native bird is a highlight of any trip.

Nature's alarm clock • There’s a deep joy to hearing the dawn chorus, for it is the celebration of a new day.

The great taste of tramping • On the trail, no combination of ingredients is too outrageous and everything tastes delicious.

ALONE DOESN'T MEAN LONELY • If you want excellent company, try tramping solo.

The wetter the...