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.

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Wilderness

LETTER of the MONTH

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

A 3000KM HIKE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

SPRING AVALANCHE SAFETY

KATHMANDU COAST TO COAST

ATC CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF ADVENTURE

Artist raises money for BACKCOUNTRY TRUST

HIGHLAND HAVEN • Highland Creek Hut, Otago

WHEN THE BEST WAY FORWARD IS UP • With 80 years and heart surgery behind her, this determined walker credits Walk1200km for getting her back into tramping. What can we learn from her?

GEAR TO HELP YOU WALK MORE THIS MONTH

PATIENCE REWARDS THE PASSIONATE PHOTOGRAPHER • For two decades, Panasonic Lumix nature photographer Toya Heatley has been capturing images of birds anywhere she can, from her garden to bird sanctuaries like Ulva Island.

#microchallenge 13–15 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!

September 2025 #microchallenges • In each issue, three new #microchallenges are set to add interest and silliness to your kilometres.

TOM'S EXTRAORDINARY TRIP TO THE TIPPY-TOP OF TAPPY • An 11-year-old Nelson boy climbs one of New Zealand's highest mountains.

SEXUAL HARM IN THE BACKCOUNTRY • Although low, the likelihood of women experiencing sexual harassment or assault while tramping is real nonetheless. If we find ourselves in a scenario where another person's behaviour makes us feel unsafe, what can we do about it?

THE FLY WITH THE GLOWING BUM • Long before humans could make fire, let alone a lightbulb, nature was already illuminating the dark.

A GORGE-OUS DAY OUT • DEEP POOLS, TWISTING ROCK CORRIDORS, AND SUN-DRENCHED LEDGES – THE HUTT RIVER GORGE IS AN ADVENTUROUS DAY OUT.

DRAGONS, devils and drunken sailors • Kahurangi's ramparts border on the mythical. Take a week-long trek into its jaw-dropping wildness.

YOU'VE BOOKED YOUR GREAT WALK, NOW WHAT?

WALKING IN STYLE • More New Zealanders are choosing a guided option on the Great Walks. Are we getting softer, older or what? And can guide companies guarantee hut bookings?

SURPRISING SIDE TRIPS ON THE GREAT WALKS • All the Great Walks offer worthwhile side trips for adventurous souls to escape the madding crowds.

CAMPING THE GREAT WALKS • If you camp the Great Walks, you are almost guaranteed a booking and will experience the sights and sounds in a more intimate way.

JUST-AS-GREAT WALKS • So you missed out on a Great Walk booking? There are plenty of worthy Plan Bs.

FATHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE • GREAT GIFT IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR DADS

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY • We've all got one, haven't we? The peak, trip or objective we were aiming for that was denied to us for reasons of health, fitness or sheer bad luck, perhaps even with the goal in sight. It can be gutting, but if good sense tells you to go no further, it's always the right thing to do. Here, our team of writers and experts recall the U-turns they'll never forget.

SLEEP SOUND, YEAR ROUND • Airy during summer yet spindrift-proof in winter, the Nemo Kunai is packable, light and all-seasons ready.

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

FLEECE HOODIES

FIRST LOOK REVIEW

WHAT'S IN MY PACK • Niko and Kemi make a living building miniature backcountry huts in their studio in the Waikato. “We plan all of our tramping around visiting...