Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2023 i Wilderness

WILL YOU join me and thousands of others in walking 1200km over 12 months? Whether you're a subscriber, and tramp every other weekend, or have bought Wilderness for the first time because you do the occasional bushwalk and want to expand your horizons, or hopefully you liked the look of our beautiful national park maps, you, and everyone in between, can benefit from participating in the Walk1200km challenge. I know of at least one person doing the challenge in a wheelchair. Octogenarians have done it, new mums have joined and pushed their sleeping babies through hundreds of kilometres of walks. If they can do it, or at least try, then so can you. Don't shy away because it'll be one of the best things you ever do. The fitness and…

It was great to see the article about the father and his Down Syndrome son tramping (‘Hiking the Hooker Valley’, October 2023). We have taken our son Leroy (pictured, also with Down Syndrome) on many expeditions. He struggles where fine footwork is needed, and sometimes with the ability to visualise the destination. But his fitness is fine, and he pushes us on a good track. Sometimes the backcountry population can seem a bit uniform. Many of the facilities are taxpayer-funded, and it behoves us all to invite new (and different) people to share in the activities that we love.…

Personal safety is your responsibility, a statement that is ingrained into every outdoor enthusiast. We are advised always to carry a PLB in case circumstance requiring life preservation occur. DOC has said smoke alarms are to be installed in backcountry huts by the middle of 2024. However, four-bunk huts and bivies are not getting alarms. What is the logic for not including these structures? Two lives were lost in Te Urewera when the four-bed Parahaki Hut burned to the ground. Fire and Emergency NZ supports DOC installing smoke alarms in backcountry huts, and believes they should be installed in all sleeping areas. The outdoor fraternity, who use the huts, were not invited to participate in the discussion. When news of this project was released to the media, the Federated Mountain…

‘I'm exploring new paths’ This challenge has given me the motivation to push myself further and explore new paths. Having the Walk1200km progress tracker on my fridge has given me the motivation to get out each day and walk. As a result, I am fitter and can go further and this gave me the confidence to try a 50km ultra run. Here's to an awesome 2024! – Rochelle Flemming ‘IT'S IMPROVED MY WELLBEING’ I have benefitted so much from Walk1200km just by being outside at the end of a long work day. I am now semi-retired and find walking during the day so wonderful for my well-being. I'm looking forward to doing the 2024 challenge. – Phillipa Townshend ‘I'm walking every day’ It hasn't been as easy as I thought…

THERE WERE two loads to carry when Dr Anja Mizdrak did the Abel Tasman Coast Track: her pack, but also she was 20 weeks pregnant. “It was definitely much harder than it would have been otherwise, but we did manage!” Mizdrak is a senior research fellow in the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago and is passionate about encouraging everyone to walk. She says for expectant mothers, physical activity “decreases the risk of a whole load of pregnancy and delivery-related complications. It's good for reducing the risk of preeclampsia, gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes.” The World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations for physical activity are sometimes surprising: ‘Generally, the recommendations are pretty much the same for everyone: for healthy adults, those aged 65 years and above, and for…

#microchallenge37 GAIN 300M ELEVATION DURING A WALK Winning ENTRY #microchallenge38 PHOTOGRAPH A NATIVE BIRD Winning ENTRY #microchallenge39 SHARE YOUR WALKING WALLPAPER Winning ENTRY SEEN THAT YOU'VE WON? To claim your prize, email your address and a photo of yourself holding this issue of Wilderness to: walk1200km@lifestylepublishing.co.nz.…

WAYPOINTS TUCKED INTO the back of inland Marlborough is a relatively unknown tramping circuit, the Three Passes of the north. It's a 56km route on Molesworth Station, which was once the country's largest farm. The Leatham–Molesworth loop links three major tussock valleys with three sub-alpine passes, and it's an excellent trip for those who like moving fast in open terrain. The tussock valley is usually uninhabited, the climate is dry and bleak, and having been modified by a century of grazing it's almost devoid of trees. Severn Hut is the route's jewel. It's a beautiful building, constructed in 2006 and strategically placed on the arduous east–west route linking the Clarence and Awatere valleys. The hut book reveals that few have frequented this forgotten corner of the country. It can be…

Stocking stuffers Around camp Camp Kitchen Packs and TRAVEL Something different…

CAPACITY These packs have capacities from 50 to 80 litres. As other tramping gear has become lighter and more compact, it's now possible to use 50–65L packs for most multi-day trips. Packs are either single or double compartment, with the lower compartment usually for a sleeping bag. Numerous pockets provide ample storage. HIP BELT A padded belt cups the top of the hips so that around 80 per cent of the pack's weight is supported by the hip bones. The belt can be easily tightened or loosened, and it should pivot so the pack moves with the body – this aids stability over uneven terrain and reduces fatigue when carrying heavy loads. External storage Compression straps, gear loops, stash pockets and daisy chains allow tents, walking poles, ice tools, clothing…

On the topic of storing outdoor gear (‘Where gear resides’, August 2023), I own numerous banana boxes which I find far better than the large plastic storage containers for the following reasons. 1. Banana boxes are free. 2.They're more compact and stack better than plastic containers. 3. Banana boxes ‘breathe’ which means if a gear item is stored damp it will dry. 4. Banana boxes hold lots of gear. They are big and strong enough to hold several of my snow shoes in one box, my tents, alpine and rock equipment. They'll also hold sleeping bags in their net storage bag. 5. The boxes are easy to label. 6. They can be put straight into the car for trips away. 7. They're recyclable. When you no longer need your banana box, just put it into the…

I was born to walk, and my greatest loves are hills, flora and fauna. I'm impulsive by nature and the idea of ‘having to’ or ‘must do’ doesn't appeal. However, Wilderness – the best magazine on the newsstand – has been a perfect gift to give and to receive for years. Therefore when the Progress Tracker fell out of the October 2022 issue I decided to give the Walk1200km challenge a whirl. The timing was perfect as fitness would be the key to enjoyment for my planned Kepler Track trip – a family tramp booked after my neice's March wedding in Te Anau. We moved from Darfield to Richmond last year. I'm in my 8th decade and have tramped many tracks and climbed a few lesser mountains, so I happily…

“My life has been a little chaotic of late and I did not manage to keep up the regular walks. I'm sure I'm not alone, but it certainly helps to know lots of others with similar challenges and goals are walking the walk with you.” – Sue Graham “IT'S MOTIVATED ME TO EXERCISE DAILY AND NOT JUST WHEN THE WEATHER IS NICE.” – Jenny Marshall “Walk1200km helps build confidence and a sense of achievement as you set goals. You're able to track them, see instant results and have success in your own time, at your own pace, wherever you are. There are no cost, age or ability barriers.” – Megan Cleverley “There's a sense of community – the vulnerability of sharing the ups and downs and seeing beautiful places that provides inspiration for…

Let's take a tour of your body to see what you can expect. 1. HEART When walking, blood flows faster through your arteries, delivering more oxygen to muscles, which, in turn, helps arteries retain elasticity. Regular walking reduces the build-up of fatty plaque on an artery's inner walls that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. With less plaque and flexible arteries, your resting heart rate will decrease because your heart can pump blood through the body without restriction. 2. JOINT MOVING YOUR JOINTS PREVENTS STIFFNESS, WEAKNESS AND DECLINE. WALKING IS LOW-IMPACT AND LESS HARMFUL THAN RUNNING. 3. BONES From your mid-thirties, bones and muscles are more quickly broken down than built up. Walking can turn the tide on this process and prevent osteoporosis and sarcopenia (muscle loss). Walking…

SIGN UP FOR FREE Head to www.wildernessmag.co.nz/walk1200km to sign up to the challenge. This ensures entry to the monthly competitions and updates and motivation via our monthly newsletter. JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP It's the nicest, most supportive community on social media. Other participants will spur you on when motivation is low and answer your Walk1200km challenge questions. So, why not join today? www.facebook.com/groups/walk1200km GET THE BADGE! Declare your intent to Walk1200km with the 2024 badge. Pin it to your jacket or pack, so you won't lose sight of your goal. www.wildernessmag.co.nz ORDER YOUR MEDAL Walk1200km is a monumental undertaking, and you deserve a medal for your efforts. Order your 2024 medal now – it's the perfect way to mark your achievement. www.wildernessmag.co.nz START WALKING! ANYWHERE, ANYTIME. WALK EVERY DAY, AT…

THEY climbed to the summits of New Zealand mountains dressed in jackets, ties and knickerbockers. And with no crampons. During an intense three years from 1910–13, Freda du Faur with Peter and Alexander (Alec) Graham climbed most of the highest peaks in the Southern Alps, after which du Faur never climbed again. At 29, du Faur was the first woman to climb Aoraki / Mt Cook. Peter (32) and Alec (29) were her guides. The weather around Aoraki is rarely in a good temper, but on December 4, 1910, it was perfect. Following that triumph came a grand traverse of Aoraki's three peaks with Peter Graham and David (Darby) Thomson. Du Faur was the first to climb Mt Dampier, shot up Tasman and Sefton (she was the first to traverse it)…

WILD TRIPS Wilderness * WALK 1200km 10.1km+ FROM THE GREY ROAD car park, the Mangakara Nature Walk leads through a gorgeous old-growth forest with many interpretive panels pointing out a selection of flora, including rimu, tawa and kahikatea. It's an easy introduction to the trip. At Mangakara Stream (the last water source before the hut) the Link Track is joined, and this climbs steeply out of the valley to join the spur leading to Ruapane. After 1km, the junction with Ruapane Track is reached and this continues in a southwesterly direction for 1.5km to the junction with Tirohanga Track. This section is mostly easy going and non-technical. However, about 400m before the Tirohanga junction, it steepens and the terrain gradually becomes more technical. From the junction, Tirohanga Track continues to…

I'm a hunter and really enjoy Wilderness – there's more info than traditional hunting mags. It's always interesting to read ‘What's in my pack’, and there are some great articles on new places to explore. The gear guide to three-season tents (November 2023) omitted the Macpac Duolite, which is much cheaper than the others shown. It's durable and a product from a New Zealand company. – A note to readers, Macpac declined our invi tation to participate in the tent guide. – AH…

We discovered Leith Hill, near Castle Hill, thanks to Wilderness (July 2023). While the photos in that issue were of a snowy ridgeline, doing the walk on a sunny Labour Weekend was a different experience: we encountered conditions more akin to a moonscape. We started on a lovely loop directly from Castle Hill Village. When we reached the high point, we left the track and headed up the ridge. It's definitely a puffer! At the top were great views of the Craigieburn Range. There appears to be a viable scree run as a (potential) fast descent, but having left the gaiters at home, we opted to go back the way we went up. It's a great half-day walk relatively close to Christchurch. – Leah receives a Real Meal dinner. Readers,…

New water tanks have been installed at huts along the Richmond Range section of Te Araroa Trail. Tanks were added to Red Hills, Hunters, Slaty, Tarn and Starveall huts during October and November. These huts were notorious for running out of water and none are near a decent natural water source. “We're hoping the addition of more tanks will make life easier for all walkers using the huts, and start to illustrate our aim of, over time, making the Te Araroa route better,” said Kari Fairweather, chair of Te Araroa Regional Trust in Nelson and Marlborough. Volunteer teams worked with DOC rangers to make the ambitious project happen. “I hope it will be the beginning of many such endeavours in our region, complementing good works being undertaken by other TA…

WALK1200KM is the perfect challenge for our times. That's because walking is the direct antithesis to the busyness of the world around us. It's uncomplicated. It's cheap. It's slow. It will de-stress you. It will introduce to you a community whose sole purpose is to support and encourage. It will help you make a habit out of doing good for yourself. It will give you a purpose, a goal that brings satisfaction, lightness and even dignity to your life. There is no age limit (babies have done it in a front pack, octogenarians have beaten the goal) and participants don't need to be already fit, or even healthy, to begin. In joining Walk1200km you will walk among those who are recovering from illness, injury or momentous loss and hardship and…

COMMITTING to a challenge can be daunting. The thought of slogging for weeks or months before being able to enjoy the benefits of the effort can often put a Stop sign before the start. Yet the positive effects of walking are immediate, according to Justin Richards who is academic lead at Sport NZ (Ihi Aotearoa) and associate professor in physical activity and wellbeing at Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka. “Walking reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease,” he says. “It reduces our risk of metabolic disease. And it improves our bone health and our muscle strength. Long term it reduces our risk of cancer, particularly breast and bowel cancer. For many people, walking is the most accessible form of being physically active.” There can be a big bump at…

WILD TRIPE Wilderness * WALK 1200km 19.3km THE TRACK TO Lakehead Hut begins at Kerr Bay on the east side of the charming, bush-edged Lake Rotoiti. It starts off on the Bellbird Walk, a flat and easy trail passing through native bush full of korimako / bellbird song. After about 30min this joins Lakehead Track and the going gets a little rougher. The trail undulates through the trees close to the lake. Every now and then there is a jetty from where you can swim or dip your feet. Lakehead Hut is reached after 11kms (about 3hr). Its location, sandwiched beneath Robert Ridge and the St Arnaud Range, is both dramatic and beautiful. If opting for an overnighter, you can stay here or continue to Coldwater Hut, which is 2km…