Innehållsförteckning för August - September 2023 från Great Walks

"AFTER we had breakfast and prepared lunch we began our walk in the cool air. Any concerns we'd be battling the elements disappeared as we came out of another beech forest to clear blue skies," I wrote of my 5-day walk along NZ's Milford Track in 2014. Having grown up in Auckland and hiked around most of the North Island I knew all about this walk. I continued: "The meandering trail leads to the upper reaches of the Clinton River and the three leaps of the spectacular St Quinton Falls comes into view. After an hour or so the track begins a steady uphill climb through old silver beech forest towards the head of the Clinton Valley. “After passing DOC's Mintaro Hut you begin your climb to Mackinnon Pass. The…

WITH its dramatic landscapes, outstanding natural beauty, jagged mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and fascinating Aboriginal rock art, it’s little wonder Gariwerd (Grampians National Park) is one of Victoria’s most popular holiday destinations. Named the Grampians by Major Thomas Mitchell because they reminded him of the Scottish mountains, my wife and I are just two of the more than one million visitors that rock up here each year to be gobsmacked by their beauty and grandeur. We’re here to do Auswalk’s, 7-day Grampians Peaks Trail Highlights – a self-guided walk that follows sections of the new Grampians Peaks Trail from Mount Zero (Mura Mura) via Halls Gap and south to Dunkeld. It’s a walk that allows us to indulge in decadent dining, provides us with snug beds in swish surroundings, and…

FEATUREWA TRAILS GOVERNANCE WESTERN Australia is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and diverse trail systems that attract adventurers, and nature and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. Behind the scenes lies a unique and effective governance structure for trail planning. Through collaboration between state and local government, community organisations, and stakeholders, WA has created a trail planning model that ensures the development and management of trails in the right places, for the right reasons. Let’s delve into the distinctive governance structures that make trail planning in WA a remarkable success story. THE WA STRATEGIC TRAILS BLUEPRINT: At the heart of trail planning in the state is the WA Strategic Trails Blueprint. This comprehensive and forward-thinking document serves as a guiding framework for trail development. What sets it apart…

GREAT Barrier Island lies 90km north-east of Auckland, a 4½ hour ferry ride from the CBD or a 30-minute flight away. We arrive by ferry in horrendously, churning seas. Its return is cancelled. So are flights the following day when a storm hits overnight and morning is howled in by the wind. Our shuttle to the 25km Aotea Track is a no go with slips on the road. We postpone to the following day which dawns grey. Stopping en route to drop non-tramping gear at Wiltshire Manor, Claris, our post-hike accommodation, we arrive at The Green Campsite track end on Whangaparapara Road. Ten minutes flat walking brings us to a boot cleaning station, installed to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback. The Green Campsite, bookable in advance with 15…

GUIDED GETAWAYSWILDERNESS GUIDES WHEN it comes to my childhood I don’t have a specific first bushwalking memory but being raised by walkers there are plenty of memories of walking with the family, certainly a lot of the good memories come from standing on top of hills and mountains and feeling like you’re on top of the word. How did I get into the walking tour business? It’s the evolution of having an active childhood and loving being in the outdoors. When I finished school, I studied outdoor education and loved the chance to follow a career doing the things I do in my spare time. After my education I found myself working in outdoor centres for a few years and would travel during the low season, this is where I…

NOT everyone wants to organise their own walking holiday to New Zealand – there’s a lot to think about – transport, accommodation, safety … well, these tour operators want to take over that responsibility and offer you a guided or self-guided walking tour already to go. So, without further ado… Life’s an Adventure Life’s An Adventure offers a range of pack-free guided walks in the South Island. First up is the 4-day Best of Abel Tasman Coast Track walk. Sitting on the top of the South Island is NZ’s iconic Abel Tasman National Park filled with rich native forests, beautiful beaches and idyllic inlets. This 4-day walk (plus one pre-tour night) will take you by private boat to the finest parts of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, meaning you miss…

YOU might think taking a two-year-old on a walking holiday along New Zealand’s pristane hiking trails is too hard, Amanda Llyod (44) did just that and offers some sound advice for anyone wishing to do something similar. GRW: You took your two-year-old Clancy on a walking holiday to NZ. Where did you go and what were your main concerns before you went there? We tramped the 85km Old Ghost Road, over 5 days. We had done plenty of overnight walks with him already, so most of our family routines were well established. Our main concern for The Old Ghost Road was the unpredictability of a 2-year-old and weather – in equal amounts. GRW: Tell us about some of the best days on the trip with your child? Our walk on…

THE one essential factor required in the testing of rainwear is, you guessed it, rain. So, I was quietly praying for some decent precipitation when I embarked on a weekend overnighter along the Great North Walk with six waterproof jackets and two pairs of over-trousers in my pack. However, it seems my trekking mate’s weather-control willpower is more powerful than mine, because we received approximately diddly-squat millimetres the whole two days, leaving my notebook somewhat devoid of review notes. Fortunately, my second attempt was better directed, for the Blue Mountains in winter doesn’t disappoint. A fine drizzle around Wentworth Falls coalesced into actual rain droplets which, combined with the mini waterfalls cascading onto the Underpass path, provided me with enough real-world conditions to satisfy my testing regime, and I was…

BACK TO BASICS THROUGHOUT history, storytelling has been at the heart of knowledge sharing, learning and evolving of cultures; written, drawn or told around campfires, stories are the glue that holds societies together. Our own story, made up of many experiences, contains precious treasures of our lives (both good and bad), that shape us and help us grow and develop, making us wiser and moulding us into who we are, to make better decisions in our days ahead. ‘Lessons learnt’, is a phrase often used in debriefs. They’re a powerful way to reflect and change behaviour to improve future outcomes. In 2007, there was a Google Group, edited by Lucas Trihey, that formed the Australian Accident Register. It had reports of incidents that occurred in bushwalking, climbing, abseiling, canyoning, caving…

We’re kicking off our New Zealand special with a spectacular North Island walk. The Pouakai Circuit is Egmont National Park’s premier 2-3 day bushwalk offering spectacular views of Mt Taranaki and the surrounding countryside. The 25km track passes through forest, alpine tussock fields and the unique Ahukawakawa Swamp. Witness the turmoil of centuries of volcanic activity as you cross the active erosion scar of the Boomerang slip and pass beneath the towering columns of the Dieffenbach cliffs. Also, on a side trip visit the mighty Bells Falls and watch the water cascade over an ancient lava. And did we mention the views?! Need to know: Egmont National Park is a 4hr drive northwest of Wellington. The best times to visit this trail are November through April. doc.govt.nz…

A generous serving of rösti, still in the pan, lands on my table. The sizzling potato dish momentarily diverts my attention from the massive glaciers and snow-smeared peaks surrounding me. One is the magnificently isolated Matterhorn. Its summit is nearly two kilometres higher than the elevation at which I sit on the sun-saturated terrace of high-altitude alpine hut, Kinhütte. Switzerland’s landmass is only around 41,300 sq km, yet it has 451 peaks over 300m with the majority above 2000m. For a few days, I’m visiting one of the country’s most elevated regions. Though not to mountaineer or to bag peaks but take the time to appreciate the geological drama, wild-flowering alps, fresh air, wild animals, Swiss mountain culture and alpine accommodation. Another solo hiker is stretched out like a happy…

JACK WINS A GUIDEBOOK OR INSPIRING TRAVEL MEMOIR THIS MONTH’S WINNING PHOTO Mount Feathertop, Vic Jack Stolp, Geelong West, Vic Camera: Nikon D610 Jack: "Taken at sunset on the 18th of March sitting atop the second highest peak in Victoria, Mount Feathertop. We spent three perfect days exploring surrounding trails and visiting huts. Still feeling like we only just scratched the surface, the Victorian High Country is absolutely beautiful!" Dusky Track, Fiordland NZ Photo: Angus Muggleton, Brisbane QLDCamera: Canon Ixus Angus: “This shot was taken near Lake Roe Hut on the DT and my mate and I were blessed with perfect cold winter blue sky days. A challenging trek in places but well worth it, and we experienced the incredible landscapes that NZ provides and all to ourselves.” Cradle Mountain,…

ALAN (52): “I met Stephanie on an online dating site. I knew she was the perfect match for me because her username on the app was “Hiker Girl”. We’ve been all over Queensland and northern NSW, Carnarvon Gorge. the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walks, D’Aguilar NP, Springbrook NP, Lamington NP, Mount Barney, Bunya Mountains, Mount Walsh, Clarence Gorge, Gibraltar Ranges, Border Ranges NP and too many other wonderful places to list all of them. We’ve also done a lot of hiking in Tasmania. We’ve done the Three Capes (twice), Cradle Mountain, Bruny Island, Freycinet, Mount Field NP and we will be tackling the Overland Track in February 2023. When we’re hiking Stephanie is always tuned in to the moment – she hears the birds, sees the…

Te Whara Track, North Island 5-6hr, 7.5 km one way/Moderate to high level of fitness required/Steep and undulating Not far from the Bay of Islands, the Te Whara Track follows an ancient Maori trail from Ocean Beach to Urquharts Bay. Once you’ve climbed up onto the ridge, the track becomes undulating and relatively easy-going. Te Whara/Bream Head summit is located towards the Ocean Beach end of the track, not far from the ruins of a WWII radar station. The track passes through some of the best coastal forest in the North Island. At the Bream Head summit, enjoy a magnificent coastal panorama taking in Cape Brett in the north to Cape Rodney in the south. Legend has it, Te Whara was the principal wife of the rangatira (chief), Manaia, of…

NEED TO KNOW Independent: doc.govt.nz, guided: ultimatehikes.co.nz…

EIGHT years ago, I was daydreaming about having a job where I could combine my love of hiking and my flair for marketing and business and finding that sweet spot of an outside job that also challenged my mind. After two years of living and travelling around the United Kingdom, Europe, America and South America with my husband, we were facing the reality of coming home and settling for a 9 to 5 office grind again. Realising we’d been living our idea of a perfect day, each day, the penny dropped. We knew we had world-class hiking on our doorstep in NZ, a bountiful food bowl of dairy producers in the Waikato and some pretty special coastal cuisine in the Coromandel. Steve and I love to live active lifestyles, but…

BEFORE you grumble about a grey forecast, it’s worth remembering that giant pines, colourful wildflowers and grandiose canyons were all made possible by the relentless pitter patter of a billion raindrops. If you adopt the proper attitude, you can learn to love bushwalking in the rain. Gearing up All trips should start with The Ten Essentials. When rain is a distinct possibility, it’s also wise to adjust your gear list. • Navigation: map, compass, GPS device, personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger• Headlamp: plus extra batteries• Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen• First aid: including foot care and insect repellent (and first aid knowledge)• Knife: your choice if it’s a handy pocket knife or something Rambo would carry• Fire matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove• Shelter: If you’re on…

CLASPING metal hand grips and stepping up a six-metre metal ladder clinging to sheer granite rock face may not be everybody’s idea of fun. It certainly wasn’t for a nervous young lady ahead of us being coaxed to the summit by an encouraging “you can do it” friend. As we gather at the top, a broad smile erupts over the young lady’s face as she soaks in blissful views of the surrounding countryside far into the distance. With views in all directions, Castle Rock in the Porongurup Ranges near the south coast of Western Australia seems a fitting starting point for our triangle of trails journey. We came up with that idea while poring over a map and realising that three great southern locations, Mount Barker, Albany and Demark, are…

“COME on John, what have you got to lose?” I’d joined Laurence in a double pronged attack on his dad. An attack on his reticence to get his bung knee fixed. “You’re only 70 and it will ensure you can enjoy hiking and biking again,” chimed Laurence, doubtless not for the first time. John was giving us a lift mid-afternoon to the start of our tramp through the Edwards and Hawdon Valleys. I’d flown into Christchurch at midnight the night before. John and Laurence had picked me up and we’d driven straight out to their new bach (holiday house in Kiwispeak) below the mountains at Castle Hill. I’d seen it under construction back in March 2020, just after walking the new Paparoa Track, but had to leave to get back…

PAIHIA in the Bay of Islands is the site of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum, which deserves a full day to explore and take in all that it has to offer. An immersive and emotional day in its own right, however, there is also a lot more on offer in the area. Paihia, a small coastal town with plenty of food, drink and accommodation options is an easy four hour journey from Auckland on the InterCity coach. An anticlockwise day walk starting from the centre of Paihia to Russell with two ferry crossings is a great introduction to the area. The Paihia to Opua section of the walk hugs the coastline and while mostly on solid land utilises boardwalks to traverse the mangroves. Once at Opua there is a…

PROMOTIONTHE ARKABA WALK THE Arkaba Walk is an exclusive opportunity to explore South Australia’s Flinders Ranges by foot, over four nights and three full walking days. One of the Great Walks of Australia, experience the sights, sounds, scale and space of outback Australia. Disconnect from the everyday and rewild the spirit on this private 63,000 acre wildlife conservancy. We bring together a team of skilled, passionate field guides to host your walking adventure, and pair the experience with a few key creature comforts for an immersive bush experience to remember. Sleep under the stars in signature swags at two exclusive bush camps. Combined with a night pre and post walk at the more luxurious Arkaba Homestead dating back to 1856, a classic Flinders Ranges building, with thick stone walls and…

TO make the most of her New Zealand walking holiday Dori Leirens (36) wanted to combine multiple hikes that each offered a unique experience. She tells Great Walks how that all worked. GRW: You recently walked 400km in the South Island by combining five multi-day walks. What were the walks and why did you choose each one? My goal was to discover hidden gems. I love finding trails that give you a real feeling of being disconnected from everyday life so that you can reconnect with yourself. The Queen Charlotte Track, often referred to as one of New Zealand’s best walks, caught my attention. This stunning coastal track takes you through the Marlborough Sounds, secluded bays and lush forests. I chose this hike as my starting point because of its…

GRW: What was the idea behind the Walk for Wild? As a passionate tour operator, we believe that operating in wilderness areas comes with a clear obligation in terms of preserving the natural and cultural integrity of these wild spaces. We have been funding wildlife rescue programs, reforestation initiatives and educational activities that encourage advocacy of conservation sites for over 20 years. In 2020 we centralised our not-for-profit efforts by forming the Tas Walking Co Foundation with the vision of inspiring people to connect with and conserve the natural environment and culture of the Australian wilderness for the generations to come. In 2021 we created Walk for Wild – an annual event series where guests embark on more than just a walking holiday; they actively participate in the restoration and…

ECO-THERAPY IMAGINE yourself by a waterfall. Standing in stillness, you watch as the river rushes over the edge, down the rockface, to pool below in a calmer collective flow. The roar is wildly striking, yet louder are the captive emotions arising within you, waiting for permission to wash over the precipice of the mind. It hungers to emerge and not be held in, held back, or silenced. A distinct call from within inviting you to explore the opportunity to let flow like the waters before you. It doesn’t have to be a waterfall. It is anywhere in nature that we find ourselves in a moment of stillness. A moment when we connect into the flow of nature, akin to the feeling the loving embrace of a mother’s hug that delivers…

OUR Wilderness Photographer of the Year, presented by Mountain Designs is well underway (greatwalks.com.au/wpoty) and we accept entries from all types of cameras including phone cameras. And let's face it pretty much everybody on the planet takes photos with their phones - but without a basic understanding of composition, light and technique you'll be deleting most of those photos instead of sharing them. So... • Switch on the HDR (High Definition Range) at the top of the camera app to bring out more details in your shot. It takes three photos in quick succession – a normally exposed one, a bright one and a dark one – so you’ll need a steady hand, or perhaps a tripod.• Use the camera grid to help you get the composition right (the rule…