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 WARM WELCOME TO WINTER

Lifestyle Publishing Ltd

LETTER of the MONTH

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

A LAKE-EDGE RETREAT NEAR ST ARNAUD • Coldwater Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park

BAND HAS A HOOT PLAYING HUT GIG • Wilderness attends an outlandish concert at Powell Hut, all in the name of conservation.

FRIENDS OF FLORA AND DIVING MEMOIR TAKE TOP HONOURS

PROUD PARAKEETS RAISE 55 CHICKS

WHAT WE'RE READING

A SHARED PASTIME • Wilderness readers are a fascinating bunch, and this column is where we get to meet you all.

BRINGING BACK NATIVE WILDLIFE TO PORIRUA EAST

BEGINNER ALPINIST'S DEATH A WARNING TO OTHERS

WINTER TRAMPING HACKS

I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE • FOR SOME WALK1200KM PARTICIPANTS, THE SIGHTS THEY SEE ALONG THE WAY POWER THEIR WALKING JOURNEY AS MUCH AS THE DISTANCES THEY COVER.

GEAR TO HELP YOU WALK MORE THIS MONTH • These excellent kit ideas from Walk1200km partners will help to get you out the door.

#microchallenge 10-12 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!

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

WHEN NERVES GET IN THE WAY • Pre-trip worries can affect even the most seasoned tramper. Here are some tips to manage them.

THE THREE TRIPS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE • PAUL HERSEY has climbed extensively in the Southern Alps as well as many places overseas. A published author, his most recent books include The High Pathways, a guidebook to mountain scrambles and snow climbs of Te Waipounamu, co-authored with Shelley Hersey; The Cold Inside, a story about mountains, friendship and doubt; and Protection, his first work of fiction.

THE LIGHTHOUSE KIDS • For the seven Jamieson children, Cape Brett was home – a place of adventure, danger, wildlife and even school.

TAKING ON THE TIN RANGE • ENTICED BY OUTRAGEOUS TALES, ANNA WATSON EMBARKS ON A LOOP OF RAKIURA'S UNTAMED SOUTH-WEST.

AN UNLIKELY HAVEN FOR PUKUNUI

A SPECTACULARLY UNSUCCESSFUL TIN RUSH

WINTER MAGIC IN THE HIGH COUNTRY • Frosty mornings, fire-warmed huts and long shadows. The Marlborough high country is transformed by winter, with different stories to tell.

A biking adventure to suit • Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails offers journeys throughout the country. From easy riding to challenging, a journey back in time or a jaunt between towns you wouldn't normally stop in, there's a biking adventure to suit everyone.

E-bikes open the trail for everyone • E-bikes are transforming who gets to explore New Zealand's cycle trails. Wilderness talks to riders who are reaping the benefits.

THREE ways to ride cycle trails • New Zealand's network of cycle trails is world-class and continues to grow. Wilderness talks to avid cyclists and tour operators about the benefits of riding fully supported, self-guided or self-sufficient.

WEATHER: HAVE YOU GOT THE BIG PICTURE? • Localised cloud and wind patterns can provide clues as to whether a forecast is unfolding as expected.

RANGE FAR IN A WIDE-FIT BOOT • Lowa's Ranger EVO GTX Wide balances top-end durability with refined comfort and forgiving stiffness to suit multi-day tramps and heavy loads.

GEAR RADAR • Other options for wide-fit trekking boots

INSULATED JACKETS

KATHMANDU XT SERIES CORDURA...