Wilderness March 2024

EACH TIME WE ASSEMBLE the monthly gear guides, I notice the increasingly green tinge of the outdoor gear available – whether tents, boots, sleeping bags or clothing. I'm not referring to the colour, of course, but the greater use of recycled fabrics and fills, and less environmentally harmful products. Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are being ditched in favour of alternatives, and new fabrics and materials are appearing that promise to be better for the environment. This month we discover exactly how the outdoor textile industry is trying to do less harm (see p50) – in manufacture and throughout the life of a product. The uneasy truth is that the outdoor clothing we rely on to keep us dry and warm in challenging conditions has been damaging to the natural world we…

DOC WARNING SIGNS WELCOMED When tramping with my family late last year on Robert Ridge (Nelson Lakes National Park), the signs warning of the dangers of exposed ridge travel forced us to stop and ask: were the conditions okay to proceed? Did we have the gear we needed? Could we last the distance? Our walk to Angelus Hut was straightforward: it was a calm, clear day with stunning views. The next day, however, the weather closed in Driving rain and low visibility ruled out a return along the ridge. Signage at the hut about an ‘emergency’ exit route down Speargrass Creek made our choice easy. We got back to the car park drenched but safe. It's the first time I've encountered such explicit warnings on any route in Aotearoa. Some…

Get your photo published here to receive a meal from Real Meals worth $17. Last Weekend submission criteria can be found at wildernessmag.co.nz. Learn more about Real Meals at www.realmeals.co.nz.…

1. TĀNE MAHUTA WALK, NORTHLAND This short walk, suitable for buggies and children, leads to Tāne Mahuta, the oldest known kauri in Aotearoa. The tree's name translates to ‘God of the Forest’. Tāne Mahuta is 52m tall and is estimated to be more than 2500 years old. 2. KAURI LOOP TRACK, HUNTLY This track winds through a native kauri forest and is an easy 1–2 hour loop with several lookouts, from which the Waikato River can be seen. On a clear day you may also get glimpses of Tongariro National Park. 3. HUKUTAIA DOMAIN, ŌPŌTIKI This domain has several walking options, including a short walk to a pūriri named Taketakerau, which is over 1900 years old. 4. MANGAOTAKI WALK, MAHOENUI Along this 2km walk is an 1800-year-old tōtara named Pouākani.…

March is whio awareness month, when young adult whio that have been raised in captivity are released into the wild. Whio are taonga, a treasured species to which Māori have strong cultural and spiritual ties, yet there are less than 3000 living in the wild. This iconic bird, which features on the $10 note, is threatened by habitat loss and predation. Whio are believed to be an ancient species of waterfowl and have unique features, including being one of only a few waterfowl in the world that live on fast-flowing rivers. This habitat leads to them being key indicators of healthy rivers and streams. Keep an eye on DOC's website and on Whio Forever on Facebook and Instagram for ways to get involved in the stories, events and competitions planned…

Cambridge personal trainer Caroline Webber found herself at a stage of life where she dreaded multi-day hikes and lacked enthusiasm and motivation for one of her favourite hobbies. It took her two years to realise that she was perimenopausal. “My love of hiking went out the window. My recovery after hikes was slow, painful and exhausting. I lost all interest in getting up early and catching a sunrise. I'd seen sunrises before, why see any more? My anxiety about logistics became overwhelming. My fear of my body not coping got the better of me. The thought of doing a twoor three-week hiking holiday filled me with dread. I'd rather stay at home.” “Perimenopause and menopause aren't optional,” says Webber. “How we handle it is.” Webber started to read and research…