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 BEST OF THE BEST

Wilderness NZ

PIGEON POST

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

WALKSHORTS

NEWSLETTER AND SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR OPPORTUNITY

WILDERNESS WORD

2023 WILDERNESS PHOTO COMPETITION • HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE THE 2023 WILDERNESS OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR?

I’m doing it! • Three Walk 1200km participants share their reasons and experiences.

MEALS THAT HELP YOU ENJOY THE OUTDOORS MORE • Fresh food may be nutritionally best but it’s not always the lightest or easiest to carry. That’s where Back Country Cuisine comes in.

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

#microchallenge 10-12 winners! • Want to win gear and vouchers from Walk 1200km partners? Complete the #microchallenges as these Walk 1200km participants have done and receive a Walk 1200km badge. The best efforts receive a special prize from our partners!

LEAVE NO TRACE, GO ‘PLAMPING’ • Enthusiastic tramper Hazel Phillips has ‘wheelie bin’ out there lately.

The Bard on THE HOLLYFORD • More Kiwi trampers are going on guided trips and more are interested in helping conservation. Wilderness asked guide and ardent conservationist Bard Crawford what it’s like to guide locals in their own backyard.

SEE MORE… POLAR EXPLORERS • Several features in the Southern Alps are named after polar explorers. These four make admirable destinations for trans-alpine trampers.

TOP HUTS • They’re in the bush, alongside rivers and in the mountains, offering shelter, places of community, and reminders of the past. And some are in locations to make your heart sing.

Day of reckoning • RABBIT PASS IS WORLD FAMOUS IN NEW ZEALAND FOR ITS STUNNING RIVER VALLEYS, BEECH FOREST AND THE TREACHEROUS WATERFALL FACE.

TRAINING FOR New Zealand’s HARDEST DAY TRIP • CLIMBING TARANAKI MAUNGA IS NOT LIKE RUNNING A MARATHON OR TAKING A LONG BIKE RIDE. IT REQUIRES SPECIFIC TRAINING FOR LEGS, SHOULDERS AND BODY.

Chorizo basil beans • Chorizo is a tasty addition to any tramping pack. It can be eaten as a snack, or crisped up in a pan and tossed through pasta, grains or salads for a smokey-flavoured protein hit.

THE EXPERT HALO • The role heuristics play in our decision-making can lead to dangerous situations outdoors.

A SHORT LITTLE GUIDE TO DEBRIEFING

HOW TO CROSS A RIVER AS A GROUP • The mutual support method of crossing a river.

What’s in MY PACK • PENNY WEBSTER IS A MOUNTAINEER, TRAMPER AND THRU-HIKER WHO COMPLETES ADVENTURES VARYING FROM EASY, TO THE EXTREME. SHE HAS HIKED THE 4200KM PACIFIC CREST TRAIL AND CLIMBED ALL NEW ZEALAND’S 3000M PEAKS.

GARMIN INREACH MESSENGER • Lightweight SOS and communication device with substantial battery life

2023’S GUIDE TO 3-4 SEASON BOOTS • Leather is still the optimal material for long term durability and comfort. Synthetic boots tend to be lighter and faster drying. Avoid uppers that have seams in high-wear areas (such as the sides of the midfoot).

2023’S GUIDE TO SLEEPING BAGS • Trampers are fortunate to have a huge range of sleeping bags to choose from. Use this guide to help narrow down your choices.

BACK TO THE MOUNTAINS • Suze Kelly has been general manager of internationally-renowned Wānaka-based mountain guiding company Adventure Consultants for over 25 years, but the last three of these have brought extra challenges. She describes the new world of adventure tourism in our pandemic age.