Wilderness December 2015

AS SOON AS I learned Google had added seven of New Zealand’s Great Walks to Street View, I was hooked. What a fabulous idea, I thought, being able to walk every step of the Routeburn, Rakiura and Heaphy without leaving the house! Obviously it doesn’t beat actually walking them in person, but fancy technology reaching a stage where everyone can see all these walks, at any stage, from any angle. So I was a little surprised to find such negative comments about the development on social media. These comments made me re-think my initial enthusiasm at this new variation of a great tool. I pondered the suggested downsides; the influx of tourists on these overcrowded walks, the decline of adventure, the domination of a global enterprise now seeping into our…

THE POWER OF WILDERNESS WITH A FOUR-YEAR-OLD daughter and a one-year-old son, opportunities for my husband and I to get out tramping have been limited in recent years. My last tramp was to Mt Pirongia three years ago, during which my boots fell apart and ended up being tied together with spectra cord. However – at my suggestion! – my parents recently gifted my husband a subscription to Wilderness magazine for his birthday and we have been feeling inspired again. We had our first night away from both kids this month with an overnight tramp into Mangamuka Hut in the Kaimais. It was fantastic to just be ‘us’ and not ‘mum and dad’ for a night. Next on the list is to take my daughter on her first overnight tramp,…

We asked readers if the Canterbury place names Niggerhead, Nigger Hill and Nigger Stream should be changed to Tawhai Hill, Kanuka Hills and Steelhead Stream respectively, as is currently being proposed by the Geographic Board. Leave them as they are! Everyone needs to stop taking offence at unimportant things - Abby Mes If there ever is a case (and there are many) for reverting to the Maori name these should be at the forefront - Andrew McCrorie It's pretty ugly that we still have these on our maps. Good call to use the Maori names instead - Anna Brooke Just put an ‘H’ in it like they did with Wanganui - Sam James Leave them as they are. Is it such a bad word? I must live in a hole!…

SEND YOUR PIX Get your photo published here to receive the Light My Fire ‘Pack-up-Cup’. This compressible 260ml cup keeps drinks warm and protected from dirt and bugs with its tight and secure lid. Just fold it out and fill it up. More details at ampro.co.nz. Last Weekend submission criteria at wildernessmag.co.nz…

NEIGH ARAROA TRAIL Those attempting the Te Araroa Trail this summer might encounter four-legged compatriots. A team of Kaimanawa horses ridden by trainer Lou McNutt will head from Bluff to Cape Reinga in an epic nine-month trip. McNutt is partaking in the solo mission to help increase adoptions for Kaimanawa horses and raise money for Running for Rangers – a group that runs marathons to improve the welfare of rangers protecting rhinos and elephants in Kenya. She plans to carry provisions for 5-7 day sections and the horses will be fitted with special horseshoes reinforced with tungsten carbine on the heels and toes to cope with the long distances. The North Island will be predominantly along the coast whereas the South Island will be largely through high country stations. McNutt…

Complete the crossword and re-arrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell out the hidden solution. Send your answer, with your name and address, by December 21 to: wildernessword@lifestylepublishing.co.nz, or WildernessWord, PO Box 251566, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140. All correct entries will go in the draw to win one of five Buff Original Headwear. Buff Original Multifunctional Headwear $40 The perfect accessory for all sports, Original Buff is made from a high-performance microfibre fabric that is wind-resistant, breathable, wicks perspiration and is quick drying. Wear it as a headband, beanie, helmet liner, neck gaiter, balaclava, scarf, hair band or wristband. www.outwear.co.nz…