Wilderness October 2018

THIS ISSUE we celebrate all things associated with the Great Walks, New Zealand’s – and in some cases the world’s – ‘finest’ tramps. I know many hardened trampers will scoff at that, but there really are few walks in the world that can compare to the likes of the Milford and Routeburn. Then there’s the Kepler and the utterly unique volcanic landscape of Tongariro. The cultural and historical experience found on the Whanganui River is also a rare experience. So, I think it’s fair to say the Great Walks encapsulate the finest attributes of the New Zealand outdoors. In this special issue, we discover the people, the side trips, the hidden spots, the birds and everything else besides the scenery that makes these walks so special. Accompanied by ‘3D’ maps,…

GET YOUR PHOTO PUBLISHED HERE TO RECEIVE A TUB OF STORM LEATHER CREAM TO WATERPROOF, CONDITION AND SHINE YOUR TRAMPING BOOTS. Learn more about Storm at ampro.co.nz . Last Weekend submission criteria can be found at wildernessmag.co.nz…

ABOUT 1000 trampers are expected to start walking the 3000km Te Araroa Trail this spring, as the profile of the walk continues to grow. Te Araroa Trail Trust chief executive Mark Weatherall said he expects the number of walkers to increase by about 25 per cent on last year, when about 800 walked the trail. “Interest seems to be stronger than last year and we are expecting it to increase again,” Weatherall said. Last year, surveys found about 60 per cent of walkers were Kiwis and walkers were split into two distinct age groups. “We get people who are in their early 20s who have finished their studies and aren’t sure what to do and want to take time to find themselves,” Weatherall said. “Then at the other end is…

THE WILDERNESS editorial team took a clean sweep at the 2018 Magazine Publishers’ Association awards in September, winning best magazine, best editor (Alistair Hall) and best journalist (George Driver) in the Consumer Special Interest category. Art director Pelin Hall was also runner-up in the Best Designer category. Editor Alistair Hall said the awards are a validation of the hard work put into the magazine. “The stories we publish are being consumed by more people than ever before, we are reaching a new audience through the website and gaining more subscribers to the print magazine.”…

WANAKA SEARCH and Rescue volunteer Phil Melchior has been been awarded a life membership to the service. Melchior has been a search and rescue volunteer for 16 years and was head of LandSAR for six years. Former WanakaSAR police coordinator Aaron Nicholson presented Melchior with the award and said he had been an asset to the service. “The contribution Phil has made has been outstanding,” Nicholson said. “He has gone from volunteer, to manager, to secretary, to treasurer and a fundraiser who makes things happen,” Nicholson said. “His vision and leadership have been outstanding and WanakaSAR has never been in better shape. “He has raised the profile of SAR more than anybody.” Upon receiving the award, Melchior said being part of the search and rescue team had “enriched my life…

A summary of stories published at wildernessmag.co.nz CELL PHONE COVERAGE COMING TO A TRACK NEAR YOU A government fund will enable new mobile coverage for 1000km of state highways and 108 tourist destinations, including some of New Zealand’s best-known tracks and national parks. The list includes the Routeburn Track, Milford Sound, Makarora’s Blue Pools, Abel Tasman National Park, SH4 through Tongariro National Park and the Coromandel Walkway. But some trampers are not pleased by the development. Kaumatua Tramping Club president David Weston said erecting cell phone towers in the wilderness could destroy the very essence that trampers are trying to enjoy. PAPAROA TRACK OPENING DELAYED The opening date of the new Paparoa Track Great Walk has been delayed until September next year. “We had storms earlier this year which ate…