Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2020 i Wilderness

I WAS IN TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK in late September when heavy rain hit. The day before had been stunning weather where crystal clear streams burbled softly down the mountain and allowed my daughter and I to bend down and splash water on our faces. You would not have been advised to do that the day the rain came. The rivers and streams turned into dark and frightening torrents. Standing on a bridge, watching the maelstrom pass beneath was mesmerising, but I couldn’t help but imagine the ghastly repercussions of falling in. Trampers wade across rivers in New Zealand all the time. Most times, they are successful – whether by design or luck. But sadly, since 2008 a total of 21 trampers have lost their lives while trying to cross a…

THE MOUNTAIN SAFETY Council’s Bushcraft Manual is getting a 21st century makeover. The iconic backcountry manual, which has been an invaluable resource to Kiwi trampers for decades, is in the process of being digitised into six educational online modules. The modules will include multimedia and interactive quizzes, and are designed to complement field-based experience. “Instead of having static webpage content, we want to move towards a more engaging style of information, where users can interact and test their knowledge,” MSC operations manager Nathan Watson said. A river safety module is the first to become available on the MSC website, and will be followed by modules covering trip planning, basic navigation, field skills, tramping above the bushline and what to do when things go wrong. “The Bushcraft Manual is awesome, but…

I HAVE VENTURED into Mt Aspiring National Park’s Matukituki Valley many times, taking a different route on each occasion. To gain this magnificent view of Mt Aspiring/Tititea and Rob Roy Peak, we climbed the Cascade Saddle Route and turned south along Mt Tyndall’s north ridge. We hiked for 2.5hr along the ridge to reach the head of Isobel Glacier and the 2380m low peak of Mt Tyndall. It wasn't possible to make an attempt on Tyndal's summit as the early winter conditions made the route slippery and treacherous. It was near Pt2017 that we stopped and took the photo. Even without reaching our initial goal, the journey itself was incredible and we were rewarded with views peppered by New Zealand's highest peaks and rugged valleys carved by once immense rivers…

THE WALK TO Leitch’s Hut at the headwaters of the Awakino River is perfect for families. There are no river crossings and the trail is nicely graded. Highlights include native forest, some beautiful rivers, and the possibility of spotting native frogs and fish. There are several ways to get to this 16-bunk hut, varying in duration from three to seven hours. The hut can get busy during the summer, but there are plenty of spots to pitch a tent nearby. The hut and clearing at the headwaters of the Awakino River are the site of the former homestead of Sam Leitch, who lived in the area from 1902 to 1922. After taking part in a survey of the area, he was convinced the location would be important since it was…

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IT FELT LIKE a ‘long time between drinks’. But finally, after almost two months since New Zealand entered Covid-19 Level Four, we were driving SH1 into a promisingly radiant dawn. Not only were we now in the considerably freer world of Level Two, but the Metservice forecast indicated calm, clear weather for at least three of the next four days that we expected to be away. With companion Shaun Barnett, the plan was to camp on Ruapehu’s Summit Plateau – something each of us had done just once before. Then Shaun was keen to tag the tops of Tukino and Te Heuheu, before we took a new descent route for both of us, down Waihohonu Ridge. Our start and end point was the 1400m car park on…

Capacity Offering up to 35l, daypacks will be zip or buckle opening. External bungee cords or a stretch front pouch allow quick access to jackets and oversize gear. SHOULDER STRAPS Padded shoulder straps are contoured to eliminate excess weight and prevent chafing around the neck and armpits. Sternum straps provide stability and prevent the shoulder straps from sliding down the arms. They often come with a built-in emergency whistle. HYDRATION Most packs will have stretch side pockets which can accommodate drink bottles and will also have an internal hydration reservoir sleeve with a port allowing the hose to exit the pack. VENTILATION To reduce sweaty backs, airflow between the pack and back is provided by mesh suspension systems or a foam panel with channels cut into it. Smaller Hip belt…

LIGHTWEIGHT GEAR NOT DANGEROUS Your correspondent John Walsh (Pigeon Post, October 2020) comments on people “tramping light” and then relying on others to come to their rescue. He gives examples of people not taking sufficient gear. This is poor planning. With lightweight tramping, you take the same amount of gear as other trampers. But each item is the lightest available that will do the job properly. This is not cheap, but the result for me is significant. I carry a lighter pack to enable me to continue to do multi-day tramping but, like John Walsh, I take great care to ensure my comfort and safety. - Roger Parsons LAKE DIVE HUT News of Lake Dive Hut in Egmont National Park burning down is sad news indeed. The hut was built…

WAIRARAPA IS AIMING to become the world’s largest dark sky reserve. Led by Wairarapa Dark Sky Society, the goal has been backed by local astronomers, businesses, conservationists and councils and the region is in the process of becoming accredited by the International Dark-Sky Association. Becky Bateman, who runs local astronomy tour company Under The Stars, believes Wairarapa is perfectly located for clear skies. “One side is covered by water, so you have nothing creating light pollution there, and on the western side you have the Tararua Range which helps catch the cloud,” she said. The plan will see streetlights change to warmer-hued 3000K bulbs, floodlights angled down, restrictions on event lighting, and communities encouraged to make small changes at home. “People worry they’ll need to have their lights off at…

IT’S THE BACK OF BEYOND, the far-flung reaches of the Kaweka Range, a place known as the Manson Country. You won’t find that name on any topo map, but it’s long been the local term for this stretch of country lying west of the Ngaruroro River. It’s high country with flat rolling tops, beech forest lapping the edges, and the occasional stump leftover from when the area was burnt. The highest peak is Manson (1448m). As late as the 1960s, the area was grazed as part of the vast Ngamatea Station, when it was known as one of the remotest blocks, and the hardest to muster. One anonymous poet wrote of the area: It nearly makes the squatters weep It takes five acres to a sheep And each year sees…

MT PERCIVAL ON the Hanmer Range towers over Hanmer Springs in north Canterbury, though officially it is actually in Marlborough. It is one of those summits that appears to be a long way from anywhere and consequently is considered too difficult to reach on a day trip. But if you study the map, you’ll see this tantalising summit is easily accessible from Tophouse Road. Our trek to the summit did involve an overnight camp in the Clarence Valley, out of sight of the road, which is a requirement for camping here, and a very early start on the 900m climb to the summit. It’s an exciting and interesting route, which should be studied a little from the roadside before heading up to avoid getting bluffed or bamboozled in some of…

LAST JANUARY I completed my 11th climb of Mt Taranaki. That might sound like a lot, but it’s far from notable when you consider quite a few local climbers lay claim to more than 100 ascents. Chris Prudden, who is now based in Queenstown, guided on Taranaki for over a decade and has climbed the mountain more than 1000 times. I’ve climbed via several routes in summer, spring and winter and have got to know and love the mountain more each time. In winter, or when weather conditions are bad, the mountain can be a serious challenge for experienced mountaineers. By comparison, on a fine summer day, a climb from the North Egmont Visitor Centre via the Puffer, Hongi Valley, the scoria face and The Lizard can be undertaken by…

When teaching river safety, Outdoor Training New Zealand encourages trampers to ask four questions before crossing a river. Do you need to cross? Consider first the necessity of your river crossing. Is there a bridge you can detour to? If so, use it. If not, consider the worst-case scenario of crossing and staying put, and what your options are. Stop, sit, make a plan, and make the decision as a group. Is it safe to cross? Learning how to read a river is a vital skill for any tramper. How deep are the channels? How fast is the flow? Is the river in flood? Do you have a long run-out in case you’re swept off your feet. Are there any submerged dangers, such as strainers or obstacles you could get…

We all have a favourite item of gear – one we covet more than any other. For me, it’s a toss between my Meindl boots and MSR Windburner stove – two items that bring a smile to my face whenever I use them (or even think about using them). But while my gear helps me enjoy my favourite pastime, guides need gear that they can rely on every day. Here are some of the items they never leave home without. EARTH SEA SKY LEGIONNAIRES CAP $69.90-$89.90, 80g Favoured by: Ross Bidemad, Outdoor Samoa “My Legionnaires Cap is one of my most versatile pieces of equipment. The flap at the back is sufficiently tailored to stay in place and protect my neck while the neoprene peak allows it to be stuffed…

Gear Aid Wash-In Water Repellent 10oz Specs: $33.95 Used by: Rainwear-rejuvenating deputy editor Matthew Cattin Used for: One wash I’D WAGER RAIN jackets receive less TLC than just about any piece of outdoor gear, yet we expect them to keep going and going. Sadly, it’s not the case, and though these jackets may appear fresh after repeated use in downpours, sweat and oils from your body don’t do your expensive garment any favours. Though only two years old, my rain jacket had started soaking through – particularly in the sleeves where sweat on my bare arms had degraded the fabric. My partner’s rain jacket also needed serious attention, though in hindsight I think it was too far gone (or poor-quality) as it didn’t bounce back. Instructions were simple – two…

WILDERNESS IS PLEASED to announce that it has become a sponsor of the Te Araroa Trust, the organisation that manages the trail running from Cape Reinga to Bluff. The sponsorship will see Wilderness become the media partner to the trust, helping to raise awareness of the 3000km trail among Kiwis. Editor Alistair Hall said he was pleased the magazine is to be the ‘official media partner’ for one of the world’s great long trails. “We’re incredibly lucky to have an iconic long trail on our doorstep and this partnership is just one way we can give something back to the outdoor community that has supported our magazine so well over the years.” Te Araroa Trust executive director Mark Weatherall said Wilderness magazine’s support would help raise awareness of the trail…

MĀKARA BEACH IS a harsh environment. The prevailing nor-wester that roars over Wellington’s western hills churns a choppy Cook Strait. On a still day, though, Mākara is magic – a place of sparkling waters, friends fishing and families making fun. A distinctive aspect of the Mākara Walkway is the contrast between open farmland, with its sweeping hilltop views, and the marine environment and sense of being hemmed in by the hills. The walkway is a loop and I prefer going clockwise, as the views are better and you avoid a somewhat dispiriting climb up a farm road. The loop junction is 10 minutes along the beach. Follow the path uphill and arrive on a steep ridge with wide views over Cook Strait. There’s a real feeling of ‘wild’ here, with…

THE TRIP TO Welcome Flat Hut along the Copland Track is a bucket list walk for any Kiwi tramper: it’s a quintessential South Westland valley, with natural thermal pools by the hut. Yes, flooding and landslide risks can bring about track closures. It’s the crossing of Rough Creek, near the start of the walk that can cause problems. There is a bridge, but that requires a 45-minute detour so people risk the crossing, according to DOC. There’s also an active landslide further up valley that heavy rain could trigger so, after a certain level of rainfall, DOC simply locks the entrance gate. Otherwise, all gnarly stream crossings are bridged and a new bridge over McPhee Stream is expected to be completed for this summer. So, check the weather forecast before…

When submerged in a river, tramping gear turns from friend to foe in seconds. Your lightweight down jacket becomes waterlogged and heavy, its insulation properties gone. The pack cover keeping the rain at bay can slip off, fill with water and further weigh you down. Taking precautions before you cross, could be a lifesaver. BOOTS: Keep your boots on. Riverbeds are rarely flat and can be slippery, sharp and uneven. Though you’ll have to endure the discomfort of wet boots, damaging your feet is a greater consequence. Removing boots also runs the risk of losing them to the river if you take a plunge. GAITERS: Worn correctly, gaiters can prevent water from making its way into your boots – especially when crossing shallow rivers where the water does not rise…

AS YOU TRAVEL, take note of what is happening around you and compare that to the map to help you identify your location. This will help you determine how far you are from your destination. Consider a trip to Mangahao Flats Hut in Tararua Forest Park. The map allows you to imagine what you will see as you travel along the track. While you are walking the track, match the picture of what you see to the features you see on the map. The trip would go something like this: 1. Arrive at the road end and park under the wall of the dam, Point A. You note a building shown by a square and the track is on the right of the dam. 2. You notice the reservoir on…