Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2019 i Wilderness

Wilderness|February 2019

Near misses and lessons learned

TRAMPING IS LIKE RIDING A BIKE – sooner or later you’ll fall off. It happens to everyone. With tramping, falling off might mean having a scrape with nature that, in hindsight or even at the time, gives you a hell of a fright. Who hasn’t been caught in torrential rain or in blowy conditions? Most times it’s not a problem, you reach the campsite or hut and find safety in your shelter. But on occasion, we find ourselves in a predicament that could go either way. Mostly, it goes the right way, because we make the right decisions or simply through sheer good luck. As much as I’d like to think I know my way around the bush, the reality is I’ve got a lot to learn and luck has…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

KOKAKO SONG RETURNS TO PIRONGIA

NOSTALGIA FOR LOST BIRD song has inspired great change on the Waikato’s highest peak, Mt Pirongia. Grassroots conservation efforts by the Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Restoration Society has been building since its inception in 2002. It’s success in restoring the maunga earned the society a New Zealand Biosecurity Award, last December. Chairwoman Clare St Pierre said the group – which now has more than 270 registered volunteers – was a reaction to a growing silence in the mountain’s forests. “I felt strongly that we needed to recognise Mt Pirongia as a taonga, a wonderful treasure that had been sadly neglected, and was degrading,” St Pierre said. A public meeting was called, and the community responded to form the society. An ongoing trapping operation undertaken by volunteers has seen pest…

1 min

Wilderness|February 2019

SPCA’s hapless stance

The native wildlife 1080 poison is protecting is the collective heritage of every New Zealander, and we hold this wildlife in trust, not just for ourselves, but the rest of the world, writes Dave Hansford EARLY LAST DECEMBER, trail cameras recorded a single stoat systematically killing seven seabird chicks on Karioi Maunga at Raglan. The chicks were supposed to boost the local population of endangered oi, or grey-faced petrel. That night’s slaughter wasn’t the tip of an iceberg, so much as an entire frozen continent: Landcare Research has estimated that introduced pests annually consume 26.5 million eggs and chicks of native forest birds — a total that doesn’t include adult females killed on the nest. The SPCA appears to be just fine with that. In a frankly schizophrenic statement in…

3 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Four top jump spots for summer

Little Thailand, Queenstown Ten minutes’ drive from Queenstown on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, you’ll find a cliff jumping spot known to locals as Little Thailand. Follow the trail from the road to find a 15m plunge into bracing Lake Wakatipu. A lower ledge provides an easier – and safer – jump. Bulli Point, Taupō Bulli Point marks the northern end of Motutere Bay, and is located on SH1 between Taupō and Turangi. Park in the gravel car park opposite the lake, carefully cross the road, and enjoy this popular leap into Lake Taupō. There are three ledges to leap from ranging up to 7m, making it a good spot for beginners to build confidence. Back Beach, Taranaki New Plymouth’s answer to Matapouri’s Mermaid Pools are a mission to get to, but…

1 min

Wilderness|February 2019

From the coast to the mountains

VETERAN MULTI-SPORTER and nine-time winner of the Coast to Coast race, Steve Gurney had a sad and sorry end to his professional racing career in 2007 after a severe ankle injury left him out of the racing scene. Three ankle reconstruction surgeries later, Gurney is back to the race that made him a household name, though not as a competitor but as ambassador supporting participants at the start and finish lines as well as delivering roadshows around New Zealand. He’s enjoying the slower pace of his new role: “I don’t feel the pressure to race anymore. I used to get this nervousness every time I approached Arthur’s Pass; the Coast to Coast race was anchored to it. But now it’s just fun times.” For the last five years, Gurney has…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

SEE MORE ... NEW ZEALAND DOT TERELS

THEY ARE the roadrunner of New Zealand’s avifauna: small birds that scurry, legs moving comically fast. An abrupt halt, an alert glance around, and then they’re off again, running over the beach like a cartoon character. Although classified as ‘threatened’, the northern subspecies (Charadrius obscurus aquilonius) is commonly seen on the beaches of Northland, Auckland, the Bay of Plenty and parts of the East Cape. It’s less common in other parts of the North Island, but is occasionally seen. The New Zealand dotterel, also known as the red-breasted plover or tuturiwhatu, is a plump bird with a stout bill and long legs. Males have a distinctive brown-red plumage on the chest. The birds nest just above the high-tide mark, and are often heard before being seen. Ornithologist Paul Schofield describes…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Ladies of the lake

HAUROKO, NEW ZEALAND'S deepest lake (462m), has a reputation for gale force winds. Its name means howling wind in M ā ori, and the lake lives up to this at times, as the wind, funnelled by the steep surrounding hills, can create huge waves in a matter of minutes. But guided by the advice from a friend to “keep close to the shore”, I felt confident enough to try sea kayaking to Teal Bay Hut at the lake’s southern shore. Sandflies descended in droves as soon as the car doors are opened but, fortunately the lake is as flat as a millpond when we launch the kayaks. To the right is Mary Island, famous after the discovery of a burial site of a M ā ori woman in 1967, who…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Memorial CLIMB Braun-Elwert Peak, Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Park

GOTTLIEB BRAUN-ELWERT, the well-known and respected climber and mountain guide who died of a heart attack while ski touring with former prime minister Helen Clark in 2008, justifiably deserved to have a mountain named after him. It came about in 2010. His wife Anne and daughters, Elke and Carla, had long wished to climb the peak which bears his name, situated in the Two Thumb range near Lake Tekapo. Braun-Elwert Peak (2086m) and Beuzenberg Peak (2070m) lie on opposite sides of Stag Saddle which, at 1925m, is the highest point of the Te Araroa Trail. Beuzenberg Peak was named after Erica Beuzenberg, another climber and guide who was tragically killed on Ball Pass in 2005. A small group of us, including Anne and Carla, climbed gradually up Snake Ridge, gaining…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

From BIG BANG to big rides

The 71km Great Lake Trail is one of the most engaging and rewarding rides in the North Island, offering expansive views of not only the largest lake in Australasia but Tongariro National Park's stunning volcanoes as it wanders around the lake’s western and northern rim. The trail started life as the W2K Track from Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch, followed by the K2K Track to Kawakawa Bay and eventually the Orakau Track to Whangamata Road car park. The completion of the Waihaha and Waihora Track sections from Waihaha Bridge to Waihora Bay in 2014 signaled the trail’s official opening. It’s a ‘hub and spoke’ arrangement centered on Kinloch, with shuttles and water taxis providing the vital links to trail heads and ends. Lake Taupo is in fact a caldera that was…

4 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Near MISSES

Gasping for air as my head broke the surface, I turned upriver to see if my partner had made it out of the canoe. Spying her bobbing head 10m away, all tension left my body – any predicament felt miniscule compared to my fears of half a minute ago. Panic was plain on her face, and I yelled to relax and go with the current. From a rapidly-growing distance, I could see nothing could be done to dislodge our canoe – loaded with all of our belongings, it was bent firmly around a half-submerged tree, pounded by the Whanganui River. Five friends and I were just a fraction of the paddlers delivered onto the river that Easter weekend, and after a hectic morning amongst hundreds at the boat ramp, we…

12 min

Wilderness|February 2019

SEAM SEAL YOUR TENT

TENT SEAMS exist where two cuts of fabric are sewn together and can be vulnerable points in a tent’s design, allowing water through the tent’s fly. Most tent seams are factory sealed, meaning they should be ready for a soaking the first time the tent is pitched. Over time though, seams may need resealing. Some tents are sold unsealed due to the nature of their materials and construction, and campers will need to apply a sealant at home to waterproof their tent. Macpac equipment designer Holly Gaskin said several of Macpac’s flagship tents – including the four-season Olympus – are unable to be factory sealed because seam tape will not adhere to their silnylon fabrics. “A positive is that silnylon has a high tear strength, but a negative is that…

3 min

Wilderness|February 2019

SPINNING WHEELS

IF THE ROUTE you are taking to the start of your adventure is on a formed gravel or clay track and you drive to the conditions, you’re no more likely to need assistance than you would on a highway. But once you venture onto a riverbed or a track with muddy ruts, getting stuck becomes part of the deal – some would say part of the fun – of going off-road. Do it right: The key to getting unstuck is ‘steady as she goes’ – don’t take your frustrations out on the engine, clutch and gearbox. Instead, get out and check exactly what the problem is. Put some effort into fixing it so that your first attempt at recovery is the one that works. Spinning wheels: If your wheels are…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Fjällräven Kaipak 38 $359.90, 700g

Features: The Kaipak 38 is a top loading pack devoid of the multiplicity of straps and zips, other than for the pockets and for adjusting the fit, found on many other packs. It has a fixed back-length and is made from Fjällräven’s G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco fabric – a combination of recycled polyester and organic cotton. It’s the kind of fabric that looks better as it ages. The base of the pack is double-thickness nylon. An internal frame sheet gives the pack structure and shape. The lid can be raised to accommodate more gear in the main compartment and a storm throat keeps gear protected. A huge zippered front pocket holds everything from maps to quick-access gear like raincoats. There are attachment points for walking poles or an ice axe. The…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

WHAT’S IN MY PACK

Pack For a multi-day trip, I use a Deuter 65+10-litre Air Contact Pack. This is the perfect size to fit all my safety gear, food and kea catching equipment. I have managed to do overnight trips with my 45-litre Ortovox, but I usually need to pack a few things in a dry bag on the outside. CLOTHING I always carry spare clothing and a raincoat, just in case the weather gets wet or cold. I have a Macpac short-sleeved merino thermal, some blue long johns that I inherited from the lost property at work, a new DOC uniform high-vis short-sleeved top, a Macpac hat that I’ve lost numerous times but keep finding when I return to the area, and a heavy-duty Bush-buck raincoat that acts as an extra warm layer…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Letter of the month

INSPIRED TO TRAMP WITH BUBS REGARDING THE ARTICLE ‘Babe in the woods’ (December 2018), thank you for the motivation to change my status quo. I am the father of a nine-month-old girl and facing my first year without tramping. While we have been on multiple holidays in this short time, we haven't been tramping. This article was so inspiring it brought a tear to my eye. I wholeheartedly admire what Katy and her husband achieved after four months. You are very brave souls. I dread to think of the weight of your packs! This article was fantastic and just what I needed. Thank you for the tips, my mind is a whirl of plans! - Ricky Pugh, email - Ricky receives a Petzl Tikka Plus headlamp worth $89.95 from outdoorestore.co.nz.…

4 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Access re-opens to Cobb Valley

THE COBB DAM ROAD in Golden Bay has re-opened after 10 months of work. Severely damaged by landslides during ex-cyclone Gita in February 2018, the road provides access to some of the best tramping in Kahurangi National Park. The one way thoroughfare links Sylvester Hut car park and Cobb Reservoir to Takaka Hill Highway, and provides access to Mt Cobb, Cobb Powerstation, Lake Sylvester, the Peel and Lockett ranges. Road co-owners Trustpower and Department of Conservation have been working with Tasman District Council to restore the damaged sections of road. Progress in reopening the road was further delayed by a number of landslides over winter, and by the damaged Takaka Hill Highway – which still operates on a traffic light system in sections. Tasman District Council said in a statement…

1 min

Wilderness|February 2019

KEEPING AFLOAT IN A STRANDING

NEW ZEALAND IS WORLD renowned for its mass whale strandings – its most recent being the Mason Bay tragedy on Stewart Island, which claimed 145 pilot whales. While our stranding rate is unfortunately the highest in the world, so too is our rate of successful rescues. Response time is critical for whale survival, and with stranding hotspots in Northland, Farewell Spit and Stewart Island, trampers are likely candidates to be the first humans to stumble across stranding incidents. Motueka sea kayak guide Kyle Mulinder is a veteran of many strandings, and knows well the physical and mental challenges of a rescue attempt. “Strandings can sound very romantic and exciting for a lot of people who want to rush in and play the hero, but when they get there they realise…

4 min

Wilderness|February 2019

AN ULTRA LIKE NO OTHER

ONE DAY last winter, a man was seen running across Whakapapa Col wearing ski touring boots and carrying a wealth of gear. We hailed him to find out what he was doing and discovered he’s a winner of the Kyle Dempster scholarship, awarded to keen solo adventurers. (Dempster went missing on a climb in Pakistan in 2016; he was widely known for a short film, The Road From Karakol, which documented a solo biking and climbing trip across Kyrgyzstan in 2011.) Anthony Marra, the running madman, was using his scholarship to travel from Cape Reinga to Bluff, climbing and skiing every ‘ultra-prominent’ peak in the country using only human-power transport, and surfing after every climb. Sound huge? It is. Anthony says it’s incredibly special to be adventuring in the name…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

SKELETON IN THE HARBOUR

WITH ITS MANY ISLANDS, accessible shoreline and relatively sheltered waters, Auckland boasts some of the country’s best sea kayaking. Perhaps one of the more intriguing destinations is the wreck of the Rewa. The skeleton of this abandoned ship pokes out of the sea very near the shore of Moturekareka Island, south-east of Snells Beach. Using the nimbleness of a sea kayak, you can paddle right into its belly in all but the lowest tides. The Rewa is not your typical sea-wreck story of terrible storm and tragic loss of life. No-one died when it sank; it happened on a relatively calm day, and its final resting place owes more to farce than tragedy. Built in England during the late 1880s, the 3000-tonne, three-masted sailing ship was first known as the…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Tackling the North Island’s TALLEST FALLS

THE SHORT but steep climb to Wairere Falls wastes no time in stealing your breath, but the views will do the same. The falls makes its first impression during the car ride along Old Te Aroha Road. Plunging 153m, the North Island’s tallest waterfall suddenly appears as a shimmering gap in curtains of native forest – impressive even from the road. The trip to the falls takes three hours return and the route is as diverse as it is rewarding, it’s clearly defined and, although steep in places, not difficult. The car park is nestled at the foot of the treeline at the end of Goodwin Road. Toilets are found several paces into the track, on the right. The track begins gently, coming alongside the clear Wairere Stream within a…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Ultra beautiful Lake Alta

LAKE ALTA is an exquisite alpine jewel set in a post-glacial cirque at 1800m right under the north-east face of Double Cone, 2319m. Reaching the lake is easy, considering its location 1500m above the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The reason being the ski field access road, which is open all year, allows walkers to start the trip at the car park at 1600m. This leaves a paltry 210m of ascent, through the ski field and up a well-defined path to the lake edge. The trail first follows an access road along the route of the chairlifts, and then at a higher level, around 1680m, a zigzagging path leads through steeper tussock slopes and shallow depressions to the lake outlet and shore. The grand spectacle of the lake is muted somewhat…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Diamonds and Dragons

Planning a journey without a map is like building a house without drawings. My index finger traces a possible route over the topographical map depicting the enormous spread of Kahurangi mountains. I count the blue squares and estimate my tops trip might last nine days. If I get it right. It’s mid-January when a friend drops me off in Upper Takaka, laden with a heavy swag that bites into my shoulders. Filling up two drink bottles means I carry more weight, but these are soon emptied as I clamber up the Kill Devil Track onto the open ranges. Under a lacquer of sweat, I struggle up the 69 zigzags of the bridle track which cuts a corridor through regenerating tea tree, bracken and gorse. The recently refurbished Tin Hut provides…

9 min

Wilderness|February 2019

A ROUTE THAT HAS IT ALL

THE MINGHA-DECEPTION is the quintessential Arthur’s Pass tramp, as it covers, in just two or three days, all of the most notable features of this rugged environment. Braided rivers, open tops, a mountain lake, beech forest, waterfalls, boulder-hopping, huts, and footbridges – it’s all here. The route is also part of the mountain-run for the Coast to Coast race, so during the summer months fit, agile mountain runners are often encountered along the way, adding another level of interest and variety to the tramp. The Mingha-Deception has been a staple of the tramper’s diet for generations, and before that miners, prospectors, and Maori greenstone foragers. In days long past, it was even mooted as the route for the Cobb & Co coaches, and later highway, but its western neighbour, the…

3 min

Wilderness|February 2019

FOOT CONFIDENCE

DO YOU WONDER why some people are slower or faster when the ground gets uneven? Maybe you notice when you cross a rocky riverbed or the track is full of tree roots. The difference in speed often comes down to foot confidence – or learning to trust that your feet, and ultimately the rest of your body, will know how to move as you step forward no matter what you step on. When people don’t have foot confidence, they tend to focus on the ground immediately in front of them. They may be trying to pick exactly where to put their foot for each step. The idea is to avoid slipping or tripping and they need to put their foot somewhere steady. However, we don’t actually need to be that…

1 min

Wilderness|February 2019

5 WAYS with PASTA

All these recipes (except the ravioli) work on three cups of cooked pasta and serve two-three people. 1 SUNDRIED TOMATO AND ALMOND PASTA Dice and fry one small onion and two cloves of garlic in two tablespoons of olive oil. Chop half a cup of sundried tomatoes and add to onions along with half a cup each of tomato paste and water. Simmer for a couple of minutes before adding a quarter cup of olives, one teaspoon of brown sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix through cooked pasta and top with a generous handful of toasted almonds. 2 MISO RAVIOLI Bring three cups of water to boil, add two sliced spring onions, three-quarters of a cup of sliced shitake mushrooms (dried), two tablespoons of wakame seaweed, half a…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

BioLite FirePit $429.99 / 8.98kg

THE BIOLITE FIREPIT, first introduced in 2017 is a tech-heavy brazier which uses a fan system to improve campfire combustion. It is claimed to burn particulate matter in smoke, creating a cleaner, more efficient fire. The fan system, with 51 air jets, nurtures the fire, and controlling its intensity is done by pushing a button on the body, or on the free BioLite app, which connects to the FirePit via bluetooth. Crank up the fan to help fresh wood catch, and drop it to its lowest setting for a consistent slow burn. The fan runs quiet on low, but the high setting is noisy and overpowers the pleasing fire crackle. The detachable 10,400mAh battery pack is rated for 24 hours of operation on low fan speed, and has USB charging.…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

2019 GUIDE to PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACONS

Where to buy Most outdoors stores will sell PLBs, and a few will even offer rental options. Beacons can be purchased overseas, but it’s important to get your beacon recoded for New Zealand in order for it to be registered with the Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ). If you don’t do this, rescue services in the country you bought your beacon from will be sent your distress signal, delaying your rescue. Recoding the beacon can only be done through the manufacturer. GPS and 406MHz All modern beacons transmit a 406MHz signal, but some also transmit the older 121.5MHz signal, which helps searchers home in on your location once they arrive in the vicinity. Your chosen PLB should also be GPS-enabled so it can also send your location to searchers (non…

3 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Your Trips, YOUR PIX

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…

1 min

Wilderness|February 2019

ALTITUDE FOR AID

WHEN NEW PLYMOUTH engineer Hasely Lobb visited Nepal on his OE, he felt an immediate connection. The footsteps of Sir Ed were visible everywhere; children on the streets asked Lobb for Kiwi five dollar bills, and faces lit up when he mentioned where he was from. “Our two countries have had a strong link ever since Hillary conquered Everest,” Lobb says. When the devastating earthquake hit Nepal in 2015, Lobb was at a loss as to how he could give back. “I wasn’t in a position to give any money or go and do anything to help, and I found that sad, because I had such a good connection with the country and the people.” The thinking cap went on, and the idea to climb up and down New Plymouth’s…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

PLUNGING into summer

IS THERE anything so stirring to bravado as a high jump into water? The rush of acceleration, the stomach’s queasy lurch, the shock of the plunge, and finally the gasp and holler of relief – it’s a feeling that never gets old. For many Kiwis it’s a rite of passage, a show of independence and bravery. Children learn the knack young, bombing the school pool when teachers are distracted, and teenagers seek out impressive heights, to their mothers’ distress. As with any outdoors pursuit, jumping into any body of water – be it lake, river or ocean – comes with risks. The last decade has seen 12 deaths attributed to jumping or diving into rivers alone – most of whom were male, aged 15-24. Water Safety CEO Jonty Mills says…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

The 2019 Wilderness PHOTO COMPETITION

The categories Huts and camping Celebrate the uniqueness of New Zealand hut life and locations, or share the perfect camping scene. Out there For the wilderness photos that make you go ‘wow’. Whether taken from a mountaintop or deep in the bush, it should be a view to savour and the best photos will feature trampers, climbers, kayakers, bikers – anyone enjoying New Zealand’s wilderness. Wildlife Whether it’s birds, insects, plants, trees or a lone deer or chamois captured in the mountains, send us your best shots of NZ’s flora and fauna. The prizes Overall winner: The photographer who takes the image judged to be the best entry will win a Panasonic G85 camera with a 12-60mm lens valued at $1599. Lightweight and compact, the camera features Panasonic’s Dual IS…

1 min

Wilderness|February 2019

HIGH LIGHT

LAST SUMMER, I went wild camping on a range of summits; drinking in the glorious views and photographing them. For starters, I planned a relatively easy climb to the top of Mt Robert, in my big backyard at Nelson Lakes. It was just a few days after Christmas; I was still tired from working all year and not particularly fit, so I chose the easier Paddys Track (Pinch-gut Track is more direct, and steeper). Just an hour’s amble up this gentle path, there’s impressive views over Lake Rotoiti – that’s ‘small lake’ in Te Reo. When the early explorers from Nelson were searching for farmland, they discovered this gem, nestled into the hills, and named it Lake Arthur after the founder of their settlement, Captain Arthur Wakefield. He had recently…

1 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Auckland FOREST FIX

THE WAIROA LOOP Track is a forest walk featuring views of the formidable Hunua Ranges and its impressive reservoirs. It's an excellent day trip to get your forest fix, and it's right on Auckland's doorstep. Everytime I visit the Hunuas, I’m struck by how distinct they are from the Waitakere Ranges. Exploring the imposing valleys and dense forest always feels like an adventure, far from the city. And with much of the Waitakere Ranges now closed, the kauri diebackfree Hunuas offers a genuine alternative. From Repeater Road car park, the track follows a 4WD track along a bush-fringed ridgeline 300m up. After about 10 minutes, a short sidetrack leads to a viewing platform with tables and seats overlooking the massive Upper Mangatawhiri Dam and beyond to the steep valleys of…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Just a lovely LITTLE LOOP

FOREBODING AND GNARLY with a dark, threatening backdrop, or serene and inviting with early morning rays tentatively touching the snow capped tops, the Ruahine and Kaweka ranges can’t disguise their split personality. We began our trip to Awatere Hut from Moorcock Saddle early in the day, and with a fair weather forecast, but none of this reduced the slog, for, as with most eastern Ruahine tracks, it’s straight up. As height is gained, increasingly impressive views into the Makaretu River catchment were also gained. On the ascent, we could see our next day’s route out of the valley from Awatere Hut and back to Moorcock Saddle. Longview Hut sits somewhat awkwardly off the track in a sheltered spot just below the ridge, but is the ultimate vantage point for stunning…

3 min

Wilderness|February 2019

WILD FILE

Access At Upper Takaka, Uruwhenua Road gives access to the Kill Devil Track. At Bainham, James Rd gives access to the Boulder Lake Track Grade Difficult Time Allow 9-10 days. Uruwhenua Rd to Riordans Hut, 6-8hr; To Lake Lockett, 1-2 days; To Fenella Hut, 1-2 days; To Lonely Lake Hut, 68hr; To Adelaide tarn Hut, 6-12hr; To Boulder Lake Hut, 5-7hr; To Bainham, 6-8hr Map BP23, BP24, BN23 Notes Water must be carried on the Lockett and Douglas ranges. Off-track experience and sharp navigation skills are needed. Only Fenella and Boulder Lake Huts need hut tickets…

1 min

Wilderness|February 2019

CAMPING PERFECTION ON ABEL TASMAN

Having tramped lengths of the Abel Tasman Coast Track over four visits, and camped in eight of the park’s 18 DOC campgrounds, I’ve concluded that those seeking solitude may be disappointed by the Great Walk. New Zealand’s most popular – and arguably most accessible – national park, is a beach paradise and a different world to the likes of the isolated Heaphy Track, only a few hours to the west. The northern end between Totaranui and Whariwharangi remains unserviced by water taxis – and is therefore rarely visited – but the rest of the park is a playground for daywalkers, campers, bach-goers, and, if you’re particularly unlucky, jet skis. Accessibility is a gift and a curse for the park. While it’s wonderful that visitors of all ages and abilities can…

8 min

Wilderness|February 2019

OUTDOOR PORTRAITS

Camera: Fujifilm X-T1 Lens: Fujifilm XF35/1.4 Settings: ISO200, 35mm, f1.4, 1/4000s PEOPLE ARE as important as amazing landscapes when it comes to capturing the tale of your adventure. The following tips will help you engage your subjects and tell their tale. People go back to being themselves when they think you are finished. It’s often this shot-afterthe-shotthat is a keeper Get up close and personal A successful outdoor portrait puts the focus on people. Make sure to get close enough to your subject to see their expression. It’s all about capturing the sparkle in their eye, whether they are looking at the camera or not. Aim for the shot after Most of us feel a little forlorn in front of a camera. Engage your subject in conversation and distract them…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

WRYBILL

THE WRYBILL (ngutu pare) is the only bird in the world that possesses a laterally-curved bill and what’s more, it always points to the right. This feature enables it to reach insect larvae under rounded riverbed stones. CONSERVATION STATUS Endemic species classified as ‘nationally vulnerable’. FEATURES The wrybill is a small bird at 20cm long and weighing around 55g, which is about the same size as a banded dotterel. Their underparts are white with a very obvious black band on the upper breast. The body and sides of the face are grey to blend in with the shingle of South Island riverbeds in which they nest and breed. Both sexes are alike with the juveniles lacking the breast band. The last third or so of the black bill has that…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

Jetboil Flash 2.0 $239.95 / 371g

Features: The stove comes with Jetboil’s one-litre FluxRing cooking cup with insulating cozy and a colour-change heat indicator. The cozy also features a flexible handle. It has a drink-through lid with pour spout and strainer. It is started with a push-button igniter and it has a 250ml measuring cup/bowl and a stabiliser that fits beneath the gas cartridge. All components, including the gas cartridge, stack inside the cooking cup when not in use. 4/5 Power: The stove has an output of 9000 BTU – a huge improvement on the original Flash’s 4500 BTU. At full throttle, it sounds like a rocket engine and when water is at a rolling boil, the stove shakes. The compromise for having a fast-to-boil stove is that it burns through gas more quickly than…

2 min

Wilderness|February 2019

NAVIGATION AIDS

SILVA FIELD $49.99 Featuring a liquid-filled capsule balanced for NZ, base plate map-measuring in mm and scales of 1:50k and 1:25k compatible with most maps, soft grip bezel, Silva 1-2-3 system for staying on route easy, capsule markings to help calculate magnetic declination. 28g. SILVA RANGER S $79.99 Featuring a liquid-filled capsule and luminous needle balanced for NZ, 1:50k and 1:25k scales and ruler, soft grip bezel, Silva 1-2-3 system for staying on route, magnifying lens, capsule markings to help calculate magnetic declination, sighting mirror, lanyard with 1:25k and 1:50k scales to measure distance on a map. 58g. SUUNTO CLIPPER L/B NH COMPASS $29.90 Liquid filled jewel bearing, luminescent markings, direction on rotating bezel in 10-degree increments. Clips to watch strap, sleeve, backpack strap, side of map. 5g. www.suuntostore.co.nz HAND-CRANK…

1 min