Event organiser Phil Rossiter ran the Ultra for the first time Photo: Photos4sale
It’s 4am in Westport. Hundreds of people are milling in the dark. Surprisingly, a coffee shop is open. This is where the day begins for the Old Ghost Ultra, a one-day run over the 85km Old Ghost Road.
Runners came from around the world, but it’s the heart and soul of the Westport community that creates the magic of the event.
“The Ultra feels like a race stitched into both the landscape and the community,” says elite ultra mountain runner and proud West Coaster Ruth Croft.
“I’ve raced all over the world, but running the OGU brings me back to my roots. It’s not just about competing; it’s about being part of something that celebrates the terrain, the people and the spirit of the Coast. It’s impeccably organised, but there’s a humility in how it’s done. I’m proud that we have an event of this calibre here.”
Missed yesterday’s feature? Experience an enchanted winter overnight trip near Wanaka.
Quiz
3,004m Dixon Peak is located in which national park?
A. Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
B. Mount Aspiring National Park
C. Arthur's Pass National Park
D. Tongariro National Park
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
Current Issue - June 2026
Expert tips for winter camping, seven overseas trails you’ll love, why a night under the stars is the perfect sleep fix, BTS at the OGU, mapped trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
Recipe: Sushi salad
The best bits of a sushi snack, but with none of the fuss.
Photo: Maddy Bellcroft
Profile
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Serves: 1
Ingredients
Salad ingredients:
½ cup uncooked sushi rice
½ a carrot
½ an avocado
¼ of a red pepper
2 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tsp sushi ginger
⅓ of a sheet of nori (cut into very thin strips with scissors)
Dressing ingredients:
¼ tsp wasabi (or more if you like it)
2 tsp tamari soy sauce\
2 tsp rice wine or apple cider vinegar
Method
Cook sushi rice as per packet instructions. When cooked, pour dressing ingredients over the rice, mix well and set aside to cool. Finely dice carrot, avocado, red pepper and sushi ginger. Once rice has cooled, mix sliced veggies and ginger through rice along with sesame seeds and cut nori. Serve topped with one of the options above if desired.
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Poll results
On Monday we asked Wilderness Daily readers if winter camping was for you.
The results are in: 66% of you say no chance - it’s hut or staying home, while 33% say bring on the snow.
Here is a selection of comments from readers:
[No] “Getting older, need the benefits of a fire!”
[Yes] “Digging a hole in the snow and having a good night sleep. That's the best.”
[No] “I struggle with my body's temperature control at the best of times.”
Have a question you want to ask your fellow Wilderness Daily readers? Send us an email at [email protected]
Quiz answer
Answer A - Aoraki / Mount Cook
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