An initiative to find more recreational opportunities in alpine areas will see dirt bikers allowed in Tongariro National Park
A trial allowing motorised dirt bikes on the Tongariro Northern Circuit has been approved, in what officials say is an effort to explore “new recreational opportunities” in suitable alpine landscapes.
Under the proposal, a small number of riders will be permitted to complete the 45km Great Walk during a three-month pilot programme next summer. Riders will be limited to low-emission trail bikes and must give way to trampers at all times. Officials say the trial is designed to test whether the two user groups can share the track.
Plus, read more outdoor news including the most commonly used hut phrase and why DOC plans to remove navigational signs in new ‘back to basics’ initiative and more.
Missed yesterday’s feature? Find the backcountry door that looks like a portal to another world.
Quiz
Wellington’s City to Sea Walkway is how long?
A. 7km
B. 10km
C. 14km
D. 21km
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
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Recipe: Almost instant mac ‘n’ cheese
This easy-cheesy favourite tastes fantastic and weighs little in the pack.
Photo: Maddy Bellcroft
Profile
Time: 3min prep, 10min cook
Serves: 2
Ingredients
3 cup uncooked pasta, elbows or shells (or however much you want to feed 2 people)
1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
½ cup cashews
½ tsp veggie stock powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Pinch turmeric powder
1 cup milk (can be made up from powder, use coconut or soy milk powder if dairy free)
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional topping – grated parmesan cheese (if not dairy free)
Method
Before leaving home, place the dry ingredients into a blender and process until the cashews are a fine powder. Place this mixture in a zip lock bag or
small container ready to cook.
To prepare, place the dry mix in a small pot, add milk and bring to a gentle simmer stirring constantly. The mixture should thicken quickly. If it gets too thick, add a little water to thin down. Set aside and cook pasta as per packet instructions, drain and then stir through cheese sauce with spinach. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired and top with a sprinkle of parmesan if using.
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Poll results
On Monday we asked Wilderness Daily readers “do you leave your intentions with someone before every trip?”
The results are in: 78% of you leave your trip intentions with someone every time, 16% usually do but sometimes forget, 5% of you only do if the trip is in challenging terrain, and 1% of you never leave your intentions with someone else.
Here is a selection of comments from readers:
“I use Plan My Walk and send the plan to my mum or someone I'm going to remember to contact when I'm out. ”
“We also sign the hut books. Even if just stopping in for lunch. The combo of intentions and writing in the books narrows the search area. And If we change our minds along the way (usually weather) it's documented. ”
“Made my own Intentions template on Google Docs with all information and share it with my ICE (in case of emergency) contacts.”
Quiz answer
Answer C - 14km
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