The Midnight Sun Hunt in Lapland, Finland began yesterday at the Levi Visitor Centre. The prize is a gold bar worth $40,000 NZD. The hunt leads hikers through local trails, attractions and landmarks.

The gold bar could be found after any clue, organisers said, with additional hints released throughout the summer, gradually making the gold's location easier to identify. The final clue is set to be revealed on August 22, if the bar hasn’t be found by that date.

Also in this week’s outdoor news: See dazzling photos of new species from expedition to remote Angolan plateau, Zoo Hut incorrectly labelled as closed, Kōkako hit record numbers after baby boom and more.

Missed yesterday’s feature? Take a peek at this practical and proven packlist designed for the long haul.

Take a look at this week's most read articles at wildernessmag.co.nz.

Wilderness readers are a fascinating bunch, and this monthly column is where we get to meet you all!

This month we talked with subscriber Mark Hillman. He and his friends have been hiking the trails of Aotearoa for the last 20 years. After completing one of those hikes and toasting their adventure at Amisfield Vineyard, the group of six men, now in their 60s, asked their waitress what they should name themselves.

“She quickly replied, ‘Supertramp NZ’,” says Hillman. “We thought that was appropriate considering the age of all the members of the group and what we undertake each year.”

The first track they did was the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and each year since they have come together to complete a tramp. This March it was the Paparoa Track. At the end of each trip they get a T-shirt with the name of the walk printed on the back as their souvenir.

A keen reader of Wilderness, Hillman’s favourite section is Wild Trips. “It provides great reading of the lesser-known hike options around New Zealand,” he said. “There is so much out there yet to be done!”

– Do you know a subscriber worthy of being profiled – yourself, even? Email: [email protected]

The 20-bunk Tīeke Kāinga on the Whanganui River Journey is unlike any other Great Walk hut. It doubles as a functioning marae and guests are treated as whanau/family rather than manuhiri/visitors.

In September 1993, a group called Te Whānau o Tieke reclaimed the land and occupied the hut, establishing the marae. In 2001, the group made a memorandum of understanding with DOC, who built a bigger hut and permitted the group to erect a wharenui (meeting house) and a carved pole.

Today, Trampers arriving in the afternoon are welcomed onto the marae in a powhiri and invited to introduce themselves. Once the tapu is lifted, guests can settle in for the evening, chat with the hosts and enjoy the fantastic kitchen facilities.

Wilderness writer Matthew Cattin writes, “A stay here is peaceful, comfortable and unforgettable, but remember to leave koha and embrace the expectations of the iwi.”

We featured Tīeke Kāinga as part of ‘The Wilderness 40 Best Huts’ list.

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