Wilderness October 2020

I THINK ONE thing that all the lockdowns and disruption Covid-19 has brought is a greater appreciation among people of the benefits of getting outside – in particular, the space and freedom, and the sense of peace and wellbeing we can find from a night in a hut or a walk through the bush. So I’m not surprised that since we published our story ‘Subscribe to outside’ (August 2020), in which my colleague Matt recounted his efforts to introduce his wider social circle to tramping, we’ve had several letters from readers saying they have been inspired to try similar activities or to share their own successes in introducing people to the outdoors. It’s good to know that there are many people out there sharing their love of tramping – and…

KNOW-HOW, CAN DO The article ‘Subscribe to outside’ (August 2020), resonated strongly with me – and provided some really helpful advice. I get many comments, particularly when photo sharing on social media, from people envious or admiring of our family tramping trips. I thought it would be great to organise a family tramping trip with a bunch of kids and their reluctant parents, with a few ‘newbies’ who could take on the adventure with the support of more experienced trampers to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. I didn’t anticipate that within 35 minutes of a Facebook post, I would be booking out all 26 bunks in Waitawheta Hut. I’m now faced with the exciting challenge of introducing 10 adults and 12 young people aged 6-13 to tramping. The challenge…

Get your photo published here to receive a Light My Fire ‘Re-kit’ Cup/Straw/Spork made from environmentally-friendly bioplastic and worth $20. Learn more about LMF at e.ampro.co.nz. Last Weekend submission criteria can be found at wildernessmag.co.nz…

TE ARAROA PARTNERS with WALKING ACCESS COMMISSION TE ARAROA TRUST and New Zealand Walking Access Commission have joined forces to improve Aotearoa’s 3000km thru-hike. The partnership will give the trust access to the commission’s resources and staff, including its digital mapping team and regional field advisors, though chief executive officer of Te Araroa Mark Weatherall said the trust will retain independence and its existing board of trustees. “The difference is that we now have a Crown agency supporting us in our day-to-day work,” he said. The partnership has relieved some of the financial pressure facing the trust, though Weatherall said it doesn’t lessen its reliance on supporters and donations. “The key thing is that every dollar we raise will now – hand on heart – go directly back to the…

AT THE SUMMIT of Mt Ruapehu, seven Kiwis started their journey to the coast. It was early 2017, and the adventure would see the friends spend a month kayaking the Waikato River on its slow voyage to the west coast. Though the 425km river can be kayaked in little over a week, expedition member Dan Kelly says the group took its time to meet the locals and get to know their environment. Unlike the Whanganui River Journey which can be enjoyed obstacle free, the Waikato is a different beast. It has eight hydroelectric dams, mosquito-infested drains and control gates to bypass, as well as the boisterous Huka Falls. And all of this on a “motley mix” of vessels borrowed and begged from friends and family. “We had to bush bash…

CARRY ON TRAMPING By Mary Mitchell Our trip to Earnslaw Burn started out like any other overnight hike but ended at the Glenorchy pub with a fractured ankle. My friend Luci and I packed up camp as the sun rose over Earnslaw Burn, ready to set out on the five hour forest walk. Thirty minutes later, there was an audible ‘pop’ as Luci stumbled. The expression on her face suggested something serious, but I convinced her otherwise in order to keep spirits high. Walking the next 100m took more than an hour. With bad weather forecast, we had no option but to continue with me carrying our packs and Luci accepting painkillers from passing hikers. Nine hours later, we emerged from the bush unaware of how bad her injury really…