Wilderness Magazine

15/07/2025

Did you know there are around 9000 edible and endemic species with culinary or nutritional value in New Zealand? Add to this another 250 key wild plants and fungi and you have a great many wild food foraging opportunities when you go tramping.

The best foraging areas tend to be at the edge zones where there is the greatest diversity of wild plants and fungi. The edges of forest, coast, rivers and even urban boundaries are great spots.

But to forage safely - we don’t want any mushroom misadventures! - you need to know what to look for. In today’s story, expert forager Peter Langlands provides his five top tips for finding wild foods in Aotearoa.

Did you know there are around 9000 edible and endemic species with culinary or nutritional value in New Zealand? Add to this another 250 key wild plants and fungi and you have a great many wild food foraging opportunities when you go tramping.

The best foraging areas tend to be at the edge zones wh...

15/07/2025

If you're a gram-counter looking for packable insulation, you'll love this comfortable, performance-oriented jacket. But only if you're willing to open your wallet. Read gear editor Mark Watson's full review.

14/07/2025

Elite American rock climber Beth Rodden was the keynote speaker at this year’s New Zealand Mountain Film Festival.

Her acclaimed memoir A Light Through the Cracks: A climber’s story discusses the 90s climbing scene, which was heavy on bravado and light on addressing the mental health struggles of climbers who felt compelled to push past their comfort zones for an 'epic'.

Read our interview with Beth.

Elite American rock climber Beth Rodden was the keynote speaker at this year’s New Zealand Mountain Film Festival.

Her acclaimed memoir A Light Through the Cracks: A climber’s story discusses the 90s climbing scene, which was heavy on bravado and light on addressing the mental health struggles ...

14/07/2025

Climb gently on a well-maintained track to this 1960s hut nestled in dense forest. It's a compact six-bunker is maintained by Nga Tapuwae o Taneatua Tramping Club. It has a covered verandah, picnic tables and a grassy space for tents.

The track is a shared walkway and mountain-bike track if you prefer wheels to walking.

Climb gently on a well-maintained track to this 1960s hut nestled in dense forest. It's a compact six-bunker is maintained by Nga Tapuwae o Taneatua Tramping Club. It has a covered verandah, picnic tables and a grassy space for tents.

The track is a shared walkway and mountain-bike track if you pre...

14/07/2025

Peter Laurenson took a diversion high above the popular Wye Creek Track to explore the tops and beat the crowds on this popular Queenstown track. Learn more about this seldom-tramped route in Peter’s story, A higher take on Wye Creek. And view more of Peter’s photos at his website, Occasional Climber.

Would you like your photography featured here? Get in touch to have your images viewed by 10,000+ readers.

Peter Laurenson took a diversion high above the popular Wye Creek Track to explore the tops and beat the crowds on this popular Queenstown track. Learn more about this seldom-tramped route in Peter’s story, A higher take on Wye Creek. And view more of Peter’s photos at his website, Occasional Cl...

12/07/2025

From the archive: This iconic day walk has repeatedly been named one of the world's best. It's responsible for more rescues than any other in New Zealand.

This iconic day walk has repeatedly been named one of the world's best. It's responsible for more rescues than any other in New Zealand.

11/07/2025

From the archive: A well-stocked first-aid kit will get you through most incidents. Read how to build one that suits every trip.

A well-stocked first-aid kit will get you through most incidents. Read how to build one that suits every trip.

10/07/2025

PLUS: Hundreds of pests caught on Transmission Gully, Kirtle Burn Hut now requires bookings, new Hāwea walking track to open by Christmas and more in this week's The World Outdoors!

Photo: Bernard Dupont, CC 2.0

PLUS: Hundreds of pests caught on Transmission Gully, Kirtle Burn Hut now requires bookings, new Hāwea walking track to open by Christmas and more in this week's The World Outdoors!

09/07/2025

A headlamp offers convenient hands-free lighting on the trail and at the hut. It's also an important piece of safety gear. One should be carried on every trip – even day trips – in case you get caught in the dark.

Check out our essential guide for choosing a headlamp and the top models for 2025!

A headlamp offers convenient hands-free lighting on the trail and at the hut. It's also an important piece of safety gear. One should be carried on every trip – even day trips – in case you get caught in the dark.

Check out our essential guide for choosing a headlamp and the top models for 2025...

09/07/2025

This affordable and practical synthetic jacket provides dependable warmth for tramping, camping, hunting and casual wear.

Although it has minimal technical features, it excels in damp or dirty conditions thanks to its synthetic fill. Read gear editor Mark Watson's full review.

08/07/2025

Some have banked kms for the winter, upped their fitness or set additional goals for their challenge - but all are determined to finish.

As many Walk1200km participants pass the six-month threshold, we asked eight how they are doing on their journey to 1200km. Plus, we've highlighted six pieces of gear to help aid your walking.

Some have banked kms for the winter, upped their fitness or set additional goals for their challenge - but all are determined to finish.

As many Walk1200km participants pass the six-month threshold, we asked eight how they are doing on their journey to 1200km. Plus, we've highlighted six pieces of ...

08/07/2025

Niko Leyden and Kemi Whitwell, creators of collectable ‘Mini Huts’, are seeking journal entries and artwork to compile into a small anthology.

“We hope trampers will get involved by taking a sketchbook on their next hike, first to connect with their creativity and second to allow their personal experience to have a deeper ripple effect within the backcountry community,” Niko said.

Creations should be emailed to [email protected] by October 1.

Niko Leyden and Kemi Whitwell, creators of collectable ‘Mini Huts’, are seeking journal entries and artwork to compile into a small anthology.

“We hope trampers will get involved by taking a sketchbook on their next hike, first to connect with their creativity and second to allow their person...