The name ‘Sudden Valley’ is enticing, suggesting a place where you can expect the unexpected. For example, flooding in the spring of 2025 has made for an adventurous section where you have to crawl your way up for about 100 vertical metres.

But don’t let that dissuade you. The trip to the two-bunk Sudden Vally Bivvy is challenging, but is well worth the effort for the beautiful mountain views and solitude.

Missed Friday’s feature? 2026-27 Great Walk hut and campsite booking dates revealed, Mueller Hut gets a spruce up, endangered whio return to the Rees Valley after 50 years and more news in last week’s The World Outdoors.

Check Wednesday’s newsletter for the results!

Do you have a question you want to put to other Wilderness Daily readers? Email [email protected] with your question.

A well-known character of north-west Nelson was the indomitable Henry Chaffey, who divorced his first wife in 1908 in Timaru and began prospecting for gold in the upper Tākaka River. In 1913 he was joined by Annie Fox, who had fled a loveless marriage in Canterbury. The couple made their home in Asbestos Cottage, an abandoned mining shanty near the Cobb Valley. Fox was industrious, cultivating fruit and flowers, milking a goat and making cheese. She was famous for dressing as a neo-Victorian lady for visitors. The recluse only left her mountain hideout once in 30 years.

When her husband finally died, Fox (54) married Chaffey (63). A humble ceremony was held at Asbestos Cottage, where the seven guests dined on goat, potatoes and whisky. The couple lived there for nearly 40 years.

This week's photo comes from Garth Keighley and his son Max. They were photographed reading Wilderness on a camping trip to Tōtara Flats. “We enjoyed a dip in the river after our walk in on a hot day,” said Garth.

Garth’s photo was submitted as part of our Walk1200km microchallenges. Each month we set three new microchallenges. Complete them and be entered to win over $200 in prizes!

Want to receive fewer emails? Did you know you can select the days of the week you receive Wilderness Daily? Update your preferences here.