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.

Speak up when trampers look unprepared

Wilderness NZ

PIGEON POST

TIPS FOR TRAMPERS PLUS-SIZED

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

NUMBERS ON TOURIST TRACKS PLUMMET

NEW CYCLE TRAIL OPENS IN CENTRAL OTAGO

AN HISTORIC WHEELCHAIR TRAMP TO PINNACLES HUT

DOGS POISONED BY ILLEGAL MEAT BAITS

HOOKER HUT REOPENS IN AORAKI

AHEAD OF THE PACK • Aarn Tate developed cutting edge outdoor gear for some of the world’s top brands. Now he has sold his revolution pack brand – Aarn Packs – and reflects on his life-long mission to make gear better.

OUR FIRST OVERNIGHT HIKE WITH A BABY • When a baby comes along, tramping life can be curtailed. Fortunately, the extensive hut network in this country makes it possible for even the youngest children to go on an overnight hike.

See more ... CASCADES • From the sublime to the artistic, these four backcountry cascades are worth visiting.

DAWN OVER THE CAPITAL • Kaukau, Wellington

A LANDSCAPE OUT OF THIS WORLD • Mt Titiroa, Fiordland National Park

3 WINTER PEAKS IN CANTERBURY • Get winter off to a flying start with these three tramper’s peaks in Canterbury

1 WOOLSHED HILL, ARTHUR’S PASS NATIONAL PARK • With a comfortable climb just shy of two hours, Woolshed Hill offers hikers an easily accessible trip with sublime views.

2 FOGGY PEAK, KOROWAI-TORLESSE TUSSOCKLAND PARK • Foggy Peak rises sharply above Porters Pass on SH73 and, with its extensive views of coast, plains and Alps, is a magnet for day-trippers. Cast a winter coat of snow over the slopes and you have the ultimate day hike.

3 MOUNT GUY, HAKATERE CONSERVATION PARK • Incredible views are guaranteed from the summit of Mt Guy, reached by a short but intensive walk.

MANGANUI GORGE TRACK, Egmont National Park • Start this walk early to soak in beautiful sunrise views extending all the way to Mts Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu.

MATIETIE HISTORIC RESERVE TRACK, Waiheke Island • There is more than 100km of walking tracks on Waiheke Island and the Matietie Historic Reserve Track is a short route, mainly following the coastline as it loops around headlands and dips into sheltered bays.

WHAKAPAPAITI HUT, Tongariro National Park • Trampers do not have to venture far to experience stunning alpine scenery in Tongariro National Park.

Through the GUNSIGHT • SHAUN BARNETT MAKES A WINTER CROSSING OF THIS UNNAMED PASS IN NELSON LAKES

WILD FILE

THAT A TRAIL ROCKS • THE ROARING LION TRAIL NEAR QUEENSTOWN OFFERS FANTASTIC OLD-SCHOOL GRADE THREE RIDING AND STUNNING VIEWS.

WAKE UP SOMEWHERE DIFFERENT • Trampers wake up in wonderful places all the time – a backcountry hut, a remote campsite. But some people take it to the next level and sleep in weird and wonderful places.

‘I THINK YOU SHOULD TURN AROUND’ • It can be difficult for experienced trampers to speak up when they encounter inexperience on the track, but is there an obligation to say something?

Mind THE GAP • SHROUDED CREVASSES ON A SKI TOURING TRIP ON THE TASMAN GLACIER PROMPTS HAZEL PHILLIPS TO DIG INTO THE ARCHIVES OF HIDDEN, ICY SECRETS

Gear for SKI TOURING • THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING AND THIS SKI AND SAFETY GEAR WILL ENSURE YOU HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE.

Map reading for beginners • For some people, maps can be a confusing jumble of undecipherable information. Filtering out detail to see the basics can help you read it.

An illustrated guide to sleeping...