On the far side of Wellington Harbour, on a nondescript ridge in the southern Remutaka Range, lies this excellent option for energetic day walkers.

Slogs and bogs are par for the course on this solid day trip, but it rewards all who love flora, fauna, fantastic views and a bit of filth.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Conquer the king of Kāweka: A visit to this remote summit is a must-do for the intrepid multi-day tramper.

The Oboz Katabatic RT brings rugged trail protection and lightweight performance together without asking you to choose between the two.

“This shoe proves you don’t have to carry extra grams to keep your feet protected, stable and dry when the trail gets tough,” says Oboz Footwear’s marketing and ESG manager Abigail Cook.

Wilderness spoke with Cook about what makes the Katabatic RT different – and why it might be the shoe you’ve been looking for. The Katabatic RT is available in men’s and women’s waterproof low and mid versions at Oboz retailers and online.

Tramping should not be a mystery tour. Put some care into looking out for the clues that ensure you are on the right track. If the clues don’t add up, stop and consider the situation. Never be afraid to turn back.

Heather Grady from Outdoor Training New Zealand shares important tips to help identify clues to keep us on track.

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

1 March - 30 April: MD Outdoors Adventure Film Festival Submissions Open

Location: Online

Are you an aspiring adventure filmmaker or just love capturing your adventures? MD Outdoors want to watch your stories and follow your journey in the outdoors!

Put together a short (up to 20-minute) film featuring an outdoor pursuit or adventure - whatever that means to you. The shortlisted films will be showcased in July 2026, with screenings in Nelson and beyond in New Zealand. 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.

18 April: Film and Panel Discussion - Think Like a Forest

Location: Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

Join us for this special film screening and panel discussion to learn about the work being done to regenerate our forests. Watch this informative film 'Think Like a Forest' and then take part in a discussion on the 'Recloaking Papatūānuku' project with science advisor David Norton and Simon Millar from Pure Advantage. 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.

25 April: Our Native Birds workshop with Dean Bagent-Mercer

Location: Conservation Fair, Kingston House, Hone Heke Road Kerikeri

Dean, one of the great characters of Northland conservation, will talk about the “forest food calendar” for native birds, plus he'll give a run-down of common, coming and migratory birds. More info.

2-3 May: Outdoor Training NZ Survival Confidence

Location: Waitakere Ranges Regional Park

This two-day practical course is designed to provide participants with basic bushcraft survival skills (what would be required if you become lost in the New Zealand bush), including survival priorities and building a bivvy. More info.

6-7 May: Overnight Banks Peninsula Walking Festival

Location: Canterbury

This two-day, guided overnight walk follows a lesser-known route to Rod Donald Hut. Led by Richard Suggate - former Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust co-chair- and supported by Sara Templeton, the walk will focus on vision sharing, stories of place, and the work happening across Banks Peninsula. More info.

7 May: Outdoor Training New Zealand Auckland Branch meeting

Location: Point Chevalier Tennis Club, Auckland

The Auckland branch of OTNZ has an active committee, a manageable course schedule, and holds two monthly evening meetings to introduce new topics of interest and engage with the wider membership. More info.

12 May: DOC Great Walk Bookings open

Location: Online from 9:30 am and 12 pm

Dust off the tramping boots and warm up those clicking fingers - bookings for DOC’s Great Walks, huts and campsites for the 2026/27 season open from 12 May. More info.

14-16 May: 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 Topo50 map and ground features on well-marked tracks in areas typically open to the general public. More info.

Answer B - Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre

Established in 2002, the Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre is a captive breeding facility and visitor centre in the Ngongotahā Valley. Its objectives are to increase public education about NZ birds of prey, to rehabilitate sick and injured raptors, and to investigate programmes to preserve raptor populations.

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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