Aoraki/Mt Cook parking fees announced

Visitors will have to pay $5 an hour to park at Aoraki/Mt Cook under a parking trial being carried out this summer.

Fees will include a day rate of $25 and $60 for an annual pass for regular users, including trampers and hunters, and will apply to anyone living outside the Mackenzie District. The first 20 minutes of parking will be free. Mackenzie residents only have to pay $10 a year.

DOC has conceded the programme may cause more congestion nearby, and is proposing to counter this with temporary traffic management on Hooker Valley Rd.

Plus: Kārearea crowned 2025 Bird of the Year, first-ever goat granted DOC pack animal permit, Cape Palliser paper road vehicle ban gets the nod and more in this week’s The World Outdoors!

Missed yesterday’s feature? Feeling the strain of a heavy pack? These eight ultralight gear upgrade ideas will have you moving faster and further for longer.

Top reads

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

• 🤩 Gear Review: This new 'extreme' sleeping mat wows

• 🏔️ Climb to this seemingly elusive summit

• 🚌 Get outdoors by public transport on these 13 trips

• 🙈 DOC pulls possum-control promo video after complaint

• 🛏️ 10 bookable bunks for budding beginners

Local eats 🍽️

Featuring the best places to grab a bite to eat after your adventure.

Recommended by: Karen Mackenzie-Howe, Scrambled Legs

Place: Nikau Cafe and Bar

Location: 822 Abel Tasman Drive, Pohara, Golden Bay

When to visit: The perfect place to stop if you are starting of finishing your Abel Tasman tramp at Wainui, the Northern end of the Abel Tasman National Park.

I recommend: The very bests eggs benedict!

Have a place you’d like to see featured Email [email protected] with your recommendation!

Hut of the week 🏡

Casey Hut, Arthur’s Pass National Park

Visit the rebuilt 12-bunk Casey Hut for an overnight tramp near Arthur’s Pass. It’s a popular overnight destination as part of the two-day Casey Saddle – Binser Saddle Route, as well as for mountain bikers accessing the hut from the Poulter River Track. From the hut take in expansive views up & down the valley.

The original Casey Hut was built in 1969 and burnt down in early October of 2015. The new hut was constructed in 2020 thanks to the generosity of Mr Robert Birks & Dr Sharon English. Hazel Phillips reviewed the trip to the hut in 2022.