Wilderness

ON THE DAY this issue went to print, Australia introduced its social media ban for under-16s. New Zealand may follow, as may others. I'm as much a fan of social media as anyone – Facebook is crucial to our Walk1200km group – but we are all aware of its drawbacks, namely the scrolling addiction, bullying and the predators ‘befriending’ children. Every parent worries about it and every parent will likely learn of someone who is victimised. You're probably wondering why I am blathering on about this; you didn't buy Wilderness for an online safety talk. Wilderness is a genuine family magazine. In our ‘Last Weekend’ section (p6), proud parents celebrate their adventures with their kids, and on p46 you'll find 50 trip ideas to turn your summer into a fun-packed…

Reading the Old Ghost Road special issue (December 2025), I allowed myself a spot of reminiscing. My then 16-year-old son Max and I decided to bike the newly opened track in November 2016 and struck an unseasonal snow dump. It made for great memories and lots of fun navigating off the ridge the next morning. Ten years on, Max is now a licensed builder and works with Rob Brown at the Backcountry Trust refurbishing and building a number of huts each year. Maybe the night at Ghost Hut sparked the idea that huts need to be maintained – and warm. – Stuart Burgess Stuart receives a pair of Oboz Sawtooth Ascent hiking shoes worth $229. Readers, send your letter to the editor for a chance to win. FOLLY OF A…

Get your photo published here to receive a meal from Real Meals worth $18. Last Weekend submission criteria can be found at wildernessmag.co.nz. LEARN MORE ABOUT REAL MEALS AT www.realmeals.co.nz.…

A breakthrough in hut heating technology was ‘turned on’ at Welcome Flat Hut in November. A reticulated heating system pumps water from the nearby hot spring to the hut, where it flows to wall-mounted radiators in the main hut, bunkrooms and wet room/ entrance. The fully-automated system is set to heat the hut to a cosy 18°C. It can run 24/7 and will switch off when the programmed temperature is reached. The hut warden can also turn it on or off if necessary. Solar panels fitted on the hut roof and a mini hydro scheme supply power to run the pumps and for Starlink, which provides remote visibility and management of the system.…

Outdoor equipment retailer Gearshop won four categories at the 2025 Most Trusted Business Awards. Gearshop took out awards for Most Trusted In-Person Store in Nelson, Top 20 Most Trusted In-Person Shop in New Zealand, Most Trusted Online Outdoor/Sports Shop (industry award winner in this category) and Most Trusted Outdoor and Sporting Goods Company in New Zealand (NZ nationwide brand winner in this category). “Being considered a trustworthy business by our customers means everything to us,” Gearshop owner Hamish Pirie said. “This is especially significant in the online retail environment where there are many unscrupulous operators. We're always really mindful of ensuring that all our customers have a great retail experience with us and can feel secure when they are buying from us,” Pirie said. Now in their tenth year, the…

Competitors in the inaugural Paparoa Ultra will race the 55km Paparoa Track this March. The event sold out within 10 days of entries opening. “It started as an idea to gather 20 or so friends to run the track in a race format, but we soon discovered how excited people were for this event, and so the idea grew quickly,” said event organiser Andrea Hughes (pictured). Entries are limited to 120 in order to be mindful of other track users. The ultra will be a community affair, with local businesses involved in as much of the race organisation as possible, Hughes said. Twenty per cent of race revenue will be donated to a West Coast conservation project or local business.…