Wilderness

Each issue of Wilderness takes its readers to the most beautiful areas in New Zealand, whether by foot, mountain bike, sea kayak, raft, pony or dream.

A GOOD USE OF AI

Wilderness

LETTER of the MONTH

YOUR TRIPS, YOUR PIX • What did you get up to last weekend?

Getting Technical Mt Technical, Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve

$1000 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED

BUSY YEAR FOR TE ARAROA TRUST

FAMILY BONDING AS VOLUNTEER HUT WARDENS

LONG LIVE INTENTION BOOKS

WHAT WE'RE READING

A new track to popular PACKHORSE HUT

HIKING THE LENGTH OF AOTEAROA IN TRADITIONAL JAPANESE SANDALS

FORMER BIVOUAC OWNER FAREWELLED • Wayne Martin once said Bivouac's success was because of its staff. He is remembered for putting people ahead of profit.

WILDERNESS OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION • The search is on for the best outdoor photographers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Now's the time to submit the top images from your adventures. It's also not too late to get clicking. You have until April 26, 2026 to enter.

BEST FOOT FORWARD • WALKING IMPROVES BALANCE AND ENGAGES MUSCLES WE DON'T EVEN KNOW WE HAVE.

GEAR TO HELP YOU WALK MORE THIS MONTH • This gear from Walk1200km partners will get you off to a flying start

#microchallenge 1-3 WINNERS! • Complete the #microchallenges, as these Walk1200km participants have done, and receive an exclusive, can't-be-bought Walk1200km badge. The best effort in each challenge also receives a special prize from our partners!

March 2026 #microchallenge • In each issue, three new #microchallenges are set to add interest and silliness to your kilometres.

WHEN NOT TO PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT • The science behind the impact a heavy pack has on your lower back.

SPECTACULAR CELMISIA • They brighten up the alpine environment in summer, were traditionally used to make gaiters and rain cloaks and have many species. Meet the mountain daisy.

THE THREE TRIPS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE • Author and arts organiser Nic Low.

WALKING THROUGH THE VALLEY OF HOPE • A RUGGED OFF-TRACK DEVIATION TO THE NELSON TOPS ELEVATES THIS TRAMPER'S ROUTE THROUGH LAKE SUMNER FOREST PARK.

KNOCKIN’ ON HEAVEN'S DOOR • DEEP IN THE FOREST OF SOUTH WESTLAND THERE'S A SUSPENSION BRIDGE WITH AN ODD-LOOKING DOOR. IT LOOKS LIKE A PORTAL INTO ANOTHER WORLD. AND IN SOME WAYS, AT ONE TIME IT WAS.

MUD, SWEAT and TEARS in LONGWOOD FOREST • WHAT MANY REGARD AS THE LEAST PLEASANT SECTION OF TE ARAROA TRAIL IS ABOUT TO GET A LITTLE EASIER.

A MAJESTIC COASTAL THE WALK • THE POPULAR QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK IS AT ITS MOST BEAUTIFUL, BENIGN AND EMPTY IN THE SHOULDER SEASON.

Should you go SOBO OR NOBO? • SHOULD YOU WALK TE ARAROA SOUTHBOUND OR NORTHBOUND? WE ASK HIKERS WHICH DIRECTION THEY CHOSE AND WHY – AND WHAT THE ADVANTAGES WERE.

A TRAIL OF TWO ISLANDS • WHILE THE SOUTH ISLAND'S SUSTAINED BACK COUNTRY TRAMPING IS A DRAWCARD FOR MANY TE ARAROA WALKERS, THIS TRAIL VETERAN FOUND THE NORTH ISLAND OFFERS A UNIQUE AND VARIED EXPERIENCE OF A DIFFERENT KIND.

LIGHTWEIGHT GEAR FOR TE ARAROA

A BUFF NANO PUFF • Patagonia beefs up its classic Nano Puff jacket with heavier insulation and tougher fabrics. The result? The Hi-Loft Nano Puff Hoody.

GEAR RADAR • New and interesting gear we've discovered this month

FIRST LOOK REVIEW PLATYPUS QUICKDRAW 3L GRAVITY FILTER $249.99 / 233G

WHAT'S IN MY PACK • DUNC WILSON, AVID ADVENTURER AND AUTHOR OF THE BIG LOOP: CYCLING COASTAL NEW ZEALAND.

THE 2026 GUIDE TO RAIN JACKETS • WINDPROOF, BREATHABLE AND – MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL – WATERPROOF, A RAIN JACKET IS A PRACTICAL AND COMFORTABLE PIECE OF KIT AS WELL AS A SURVIVAL...