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.

NEW ZEALAND CONDITIONS

Wilderness

PIGEON POST

Letter of the month

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

WHAT NZ TRACK SHOULD YOU TRAMP?

WALK SHORTS

HOW LOST PEOPLE CAN MAKE THEMSELVES SEEN • A rescuer who helped find two trampers missing for 19 days in Kahurangi National Park has simple advice to ensure you don’t suffer a similar ordeal.

CARRIED AWAY IN THE WILKIN RIVER • The power of a river can be deceptive and lead to a frightening experience.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

THE LIGHTER THE PACK, THE FURTHER YOU GO • Roger Parsons wants you to know he’s just an average tramper. And he is, if your average tramper hikes long trails into their seventies.

THE KAIMANGO ROAD ANGELS • Hundreds of Te Araroa Trail walkers have enjoyed warmth and hospitality on Waikato’s Kaimango Road, thanks to a network of trail angels.

See more… SILVER BEECH FOR EST • How to explore the mossy majesty of a silver beech forest.

Turning up THE VOLUME • Okere Falls Loop Track, Rotorua

CONSTANT BEAUTY • Lake Constance, Nelson Lakes National Park

WILD FILE

A TOP-OF-THE-WORLD TRAVERS • Travers Peak, Lewis Pass National Reserve

WILD FILE

ACROSS THE LION’S BACK • Te Whara Track, Bream Head Scenic Reserve

WILD FILE

PATRIARCH OF THE KAHURANGI • Mt Patriarch via Chummies Track, Kahurangi National Park

WILD FILE

CROSSING OFF AN ICON • Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Tongariro National Park

THE MISSING mountain MAN • Hazel Phillips walks Taranaki’s Around the Mountain Circuit and traces the last steps of the Reverend William Murray who disappeared in 1923

WILD FILE

FOR THE LOVE OF GOLD • Dave Mitchell visits Reefton where he rides an old gold trail on the Waiuta to Big River Track

WILD FILE

CLIMBING OUT OF THE COMFORT ZONE • With a guide calling the shots, longtime tramper Matthew Cattin finds his first mountain climb a scary and satisfying experience

WAR the WILDINGS • New Zealand is waging a weeding war against exotic wilding conifers, and a cash injection from the government might see the turning of the tides.

HOW TO REMOVE A WILDING

TRACK MARKERS • Track markers help identify the path you need to follow. However, there are a few tricks and tips you need to be aware of.

NOT MINCE ON TOAST • This childhood favourite is a great alternative to mince on toast.

KIT OUT YOUR FIRST AID • A well-stocked first-aid kit will get you through most tramping incidents – and it’s also a great way to make friends, writes Matthew Cattin

A HAPPY CAMPER • How one tramper made sure he chose the right tent.

WHAT’S IN MY PACK • Jan Finlayson is the president of the Federated Mountain Clubs and is content – perfectly so – in the hills of Canterbury and Otago. Here’s what she packs.

BROKEN IN • Wilderness staff and gear reviewers test their kit for you.

OVERNIGHT PACKS • Three very different packs that work best on overnight excursions.

OUTDOOR SOCKS • Investing in a good pair of outdoor socks will pay dividends as they cushion feet on rough trails and help keep them blister-free.

2020’S Best FLEECES • Fleeces are a versatile piece of clothing because they can be used as a base, mid or outer layer depending on the conditions.

2020’S BEST MOUNTAIN PACKS • Whether you’re hitting the...