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.

PEAK DREAMS

Wilderness

LETTER of the MONTH

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

FIREWOOD ETIQUETTE IN A HUT

HUT BOOKS AS ANTHOLOGY

NEW WILDCARD PARTNERS

DRESS FOR SUCCESS THIS WINTER

Mountain book of the year announced

WE’RE HALFWAY THERE … • As many Walk 1200km participants pass the six-month threshold, we asked how they are doing.

GEAR TO HELP YOU WALK MORE THIS MONTH

#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!

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

A GENTLE FOREST GIANT • The kererū is a skydiving daredevil with Zen-like serenity.

A BRIGHTER FUTURE? • Total cell phone coverage sounds like a great idea, but it’s affecting our view of the night sky and may change the way we interact in the backcountry.

A BETTER BREAKFAST FOR YOU AND THE PLANET • Sarah Hedger, director of deliciousness (founder and creative) of Yum, discusses their new ‘thoughtfully crafted’ Bushline Breakfasts.

FORAGING FOR WILDFOODS • It can be hard to know where to start with foraging and how to do it safely. Here are some tips and tricks from a professional.

VOLCANIC VIEWPOINT • Ketetahi campsite, Tongariro National Park

A HUT BAGGER'S PARADISE • Kāweka Forest Park doesn't get the attention it deserves. It forms part of the North Island's mountainous spine and harbours numerous huts for aspiring hut baggers to add to their tally.

A HIGHER TAKE ON WYE CREEK • A DIVERSION OFF THE POPULAR WYE CREEK TRACK WILL GET YOU HIGH ABOVE THE CROWDS AND IN SIGHT OF ENDLESS MOUNTAIN RANGES.

Disappearing ICE GIANTS • New Zealand is already feeling the heat from climate change, and those who work and play on our glaciers and mountains are witnessing the effects first-hand.

75 TRAMPERS’ PEAKS • WE’VE CREATED THE ULTIMATE BUCKET LIST OF PEAKS FOR KIWI TRAMPERS TO CLIMB. START TICKING THEM OFF TODAY.

SLEEP SMARTER • Double down on warmth and packability with this versatile custom-made quilt from Kiwi Ultralight.

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

INSULATED JACKETS

2025’s guide to FLEECES • A cosy fleece jacket can be worn during or after activity. In response to concerns over microplastics, most brands now use recycled fabrics to lessen the fleece’s environmental footprint.

2025’s guide to HEADLAMPS • Providing hands-free lighting, a headlamp is a useful tool for any after-dark activity.

2025’s guide to HIKING PANTS • Hiking pants help protect the legs from the cold, sun and prickly plants.

Top Dingle Hut via Mt Gladwish Hāwea Conservation Park • Enjoy a spectacular three-day loop over Mt Gladwish and out via Top Dingle Hut.

Ecology Trail and Takatū Loops Tāwharanui Regional Park • Get a taste of what predator-free Aotearoa might look and sound like as you experience the best of beach, bush and birdlife at Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary.

Angelus Hut via Robert Ridge Nelson Lakes National Park • Traverse the exposed Robert Ridge to the jewel of Nelson Lakes and its namesake hut.

Karioi Track Pirongia Forest Park • Take on the Karioi Crossing – a dramatic day trip that’s doable in any season.

Pakihi Hut Urutawa Conservation Area • Climb gently on a well-maintained...