The Wilderness Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition returns!

The search is on for the best outdoor photographers in Aotearoa New Zealand. Now’s the time to submit the top images from your adventures. It’s also not too late to get clicking. You have until April 26, 2026 to enter.

This year’s generous prize pool has over $3500 worth of camera gear from Panasonic Lumix. The three submission categories are:

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Expert hiker Mark Watson tells us why you shouldn't skip TA's northern half.

Long-time Bivouac owner Wayne Martin died in late January after a four-year battle with cancer, aged 70.

Martin, who was at the helm of the popular retail chain for over 30 years before selling it to Brittain Wynyard in March 2025, has been remembered by the outdoors community for his integrity and commitment to staff.

Penny Hazard, a former co-owner of Bivouac and a close friend, said, “We were very focused on relationships – staff, customers, suppliers. Doing well was a byproduct.” The culture that Martin fostered continues, said Hazard.

At Wilderness, we extend our condolences to Martin’s wife Charlene and his family and friends.

See our list of upcoming tramping events and activities across the motu. Have an event you want to feature? Email us the details!

19 March: The Where, Why and How-To's of Bikepacking

Location: Further Faster, Christchurch

Jane Shearer, life enthusiast, outdoor sports fanatic, writer, and gardener, and Chris Nelson, geologist, avid skier, cyclist, and tramper, will share their stories from bikepacking adventures around the world and how they plan their trips, including their upcoming trip to Pakistan, Xinjiang, and Tajikistan. More info.

19-21 March: OTNZ Basic Navigation and Compass Skills

Location: Wenderholm Regional Park

This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to be able to navigate using a Topo-50 map and ground features on well-marked tracks in areas typically open to the general public. More info.

21 March: Hikoi Waititiko

Location: Mt Albert - Owairaka Domain

Join us for a journey along our local waterway, Waitītiko-Meola Creek from the summit of Ōwairaka-Mt Albert down to the hidden awa beyond Rocket Park.

Be immersed in pakiwaitara (Māori stories) about Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland with Pita Turei. Learn about the channels, culverts, tributaries, and efforts to enhance native biodiversity with STEPS (St Lukes Environmental Protection Society). More info.

20 March - 30 April: Waiheke Walking Festival

Location: Waikehe Island

This event runs over two months, featuring a range of community walks and activities you can sign up to, exploring the myriad of tracks weaved across the island, including hikes over private land not usually accessible to the public. More info.

22 March: Model Client Kayaking

Location: Murchison

Two days kayak instruction. Learning progressions from paddling on flat water through to paddling on a Grade 2 river. You will be going upside down in your kayak and you will be taught how to keep yourself safe and also start the process of learning to roll your kayak. More info.

28 March: Hike for a Cure

Location: Lake Hawea Station

Lake Hāwea Station is opening its gates once again for Hike for a Cure 2026 - this time, a rare chance to conquer both Breast Peak and Breast Hill. More info.

11-12 April: Outdoor Training NZ Introductory Bushcraft

Location: Auckland

This course is designed to provide fundamental knowledge, skills and confidence for adults with little or no New Zealand bushcraft knowledge or experience to commence their activities in the outdoors more safely for a one-day or overnight hike. More info.

1-30 April: East Auckland Walkfest

Location: East Auckland

A curated celebration of the region’s most scenic and surprising walking trails. From coastal strolls to countryside rambles, this event offers something for everyone, no matter your pace or passion. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a family with young children, or someone who simply loves a leisurely stroll, WalkFest has options to suit all fitness levels and interests. More info.

Answer C - Canterbury region

Lake Ellesmere/Te Waihora is a shallow brackish coastal lake in NZ’s Canterbury region, lying directly west of Banks Peninsula. It covers an area of 198 square kilometres, and is NZ’s fifth largest lake. It is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the pied stilt, banded dotterel and grey teal.

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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