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 GETS YOUR THOUGHTS IN MOTION

Wilderness

PIGEON POST

EMOTIONAL VISIT TO TWEEDDALE MEMORIAL

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

Backcountry hut repair groups fear funding cuts

HOKITIKA'S RAPID CREEK CABLEWAY CLOSED AFTER DAMAGE

Booking system and a cap on walker numbers coming to Tongariro Alpine Crossing

COAL STILL BURNING AT DOC HUTS

Construction underway for new track at Sharplin Falls

WILDERNESS WORD

It's the little things • For more than 100 years Bridgedale has been making outdoor socks for walkers of all types – whether you're tramping Te Araroa or getting in your daily Walk1200km distance.

I'm doing it! • Two Walk1200km participants share their reasons and experiences.

Having a goal, walking more • Louise Savage finds the Walk1200km group keeps her accountable.

What's on the minds of walkers this month? • We asked Walk1200km participants to let rip with their thoughts on whistling while you walk and how the shorter daylight hours of autumn and winter will affect their progress.

Bracing for dark walks • Autumn's shorter daylight hours are posing challenges for some walkers. We asked people about their plans for the even shorter days of winter.

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

#microchallenge 16-18 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!

FUNGI ON THE TRACK • During autumn you're likely to spot interesting fungi growing in the bush.

TE ARAROA TRAIL SHOWS PRESSURE • The increasing allure of Te Araroa Trail is straining its existence.

HOW I LEARNED TO LOVE WALKING POLES • For stability on the trail, balance up and down gradients, assurance during river crossings and a combination tent pole, walking poles are hard to beat.

2023's latest walking POLES

SEE MORE… NISSEN-STYLE BIVOUACS • Six places to see these curved roof hut designs.

HIGH ABOVE THE HUXLEY • Brodrick Pass, Ruataniwha Conservation Park

BREAST HILL, HĀWEA CONSERVATION AREA • A challenging ridge route that rewards with stunning views of Lake Hāwea and the highest peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park

Mt Fyffe – Hapuku Hut circuit, SEAWARD KAIKOURA RANGE • Venture beyond Mt Fyffe Hut and this challenging circuit will reward with stunning sunrises and boulder-strewn rivers.

Waiorongomai Valley Loop, KAIMAI MAMAKU CONSERVATION PARK • The Waiorongomai Valley near Te Aroha is known for its gold mining history and has tracks for every fitness level. For those wanting a challenge and the reward of great views, start with the Pylon Peak Track.

Pinnacle Ridge, TARARUA FOREST PARK • A fun off-track route perfect for when it's too windy to explore the higher ranges and ridges of the park.

September Man • CONTEMPLATING TRAMPING COMPANIONSHIP ON A THREE-DAY SOLO WALK IN KAIMANAWA FOREST PARK.

OFF the BEATEN TRACK

THE SECRET LIFE OF ROCK CAIRNS • ROCK CAIRNS HAVE BEEN USED FOR CENTURIES TO MARK ROUTES AND GUIDE TRAVELLERS – EVEN HERE IN NEW ZEALAND. AND IF THEY COULD, THEY'D HAVE SOME GOOD STORIES TO TELL.

A CAIRN BUILDERS’ MANUAL • Rock cairns serve a purpose, so follow these rules if you want to help, rather than hinder.

Women THRIVING outdoors • WOMEN ADVENTURERS HAVE BEEN BLAZING TRAILS ACROSS THE...