Wilderness July 2018

THE PREDATOR CONTROL work of Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) is truly exciting. It has gone beyond clearing relatively small mainland islands of possums, rats and other predators to landscape-scale control. Its latest project in the Perth Valley in Westland Tai Poutini National Park involves 12,000ha of bush, a big drop of 1080 and plenty of data-backed research that suggests clearing this huge area, and keeping it clear – ‘remove and protect’ in the predator control parlance – of possums is possible. And while the application of 1080 is sure to raise the hackles of some, the plan is for one operation this winter and then, hopefully, no more. An extensive network of traps will mop up the remaining possums. The main problem with predator control work in the past is…

More graffiti spelt ‘Hilary’ I loved the article ‘Sushi’s last climb’ (May 2018) which detailed the trip up and over Pinnacle Peak. I found the reference to Ed Hillary’s name on the wall of Boulder Forks Hut, and speculation over its veracity given it was spelled ‘Hilary’, particularly interesting. Last summer, while walking the Te Araroa Trail, I stayed at Double Hut near Lake Heron. This hut is famous for bearing the great man’s name. After some hunting around, I found it, with the help of a witty little ditty someone had written on one of the walls to point the way. While certainly being an old inscription, it too was spelled with only one ‘l’, which at the time led me to question its source. I wasn’t too upset.…

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A PROJECT TO RESTORE HUTS on the Dusky Track is underway and the Backcountry Trust is appealing to the public for funding to ensure the future of the iconic tramp. The trust formed last year and manages a $350,000 annual DOC fund to help volunteer groups restore huts and tracks. It has now started a Give-a-little campaign to raise $20,000 to help re-roof two huts on the Dusky Track. Grant manager Rob Brown said maintenance on the huts has been lagging behind and they are leaking. “The huts are over 50 years old now and if we don’t do the work they will deteriorate further,” Brown said. “Spey Hut has already gone backwards and there is some rotten timber we will need to cut out.” The trust has funded the…

NEW ZEALANDERS could get first dibs on booking a bunk on the Great Walks, as DOC investigates a preferential booking system. Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage has asked the department to investigate the feasibility of preferential booking for New Zealanders. Sage said she supported the idea, but wanted to see whether it would be technically possible before proceeding. “Because the Great Walks sell-out so quickly, and a lot of people don’t plan their holidays until later in the year, I’ve asked the department to look into it,” Sage said. The idea has gained the support of Tourism Industry Aotearoa and Federated Mountain Clubs. It comes after the Government announced that tourists would be charged double the rate of Kiwis on four Great Walks (the Milford, Route-burn, Kepler and Abel Tasman). The…

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE BUSTING TO GO DOC has been attempting to educate track users about the best practice in the backcountry. But what exactly are the options? DOC and Federated Mountain Clubs advocate burying it: always carry a pocket trowel, dig a shallow hole about 15cm deep and at least 50m from any waterways, tracks or campsites. But in cooler alpine areas, where your waste doesn’t biodegrade, it’s best to pack it out in a portable container. TE UREWERA UNLOCKED Tūhoe are welcoming visitors from around the world to learn the secrets of Te Urewera – but they reckon Kiwis should be first in line. Four years ago, the tribe assumed guardianship of Te Urewera, following the region’s change in legal status from a national park to a…