The Te Kiekie Route climbs steeply from the saddle. Photo: Sam Harrison
Rising high above the flat expanse of South Canterbury, Mt Somers is the eroded and block-faulted remains of a volcano that erupted some 90 million years ago and has some of the most interesting geology on the eastern side of the Alps. Flanked by forest and well-equipped with huts, it is a natural favourite for trampers.
Missed Friday’s feature? Killer ducks caught eating Bird of the Century chicks, Predator Free South Westland nears eradication goal, parents use walking to stay connected to adult children, and more in last week’s The World Outdoors.
⏰ LAST CALL: Applications close today!
Applications for the inaugural Shaun Barnett Memorial Scholarship close today. There’s still time to apply for up to $1000 to fund your backcountry adventures and creative development. But don’t delay, applications close today.
Poll
Do you use tramping boots or trail runners when hiking?
Check Wednesday’s newsletter for the results!
March 2026 microchallenges
Let's '(virtually) climb Aoraki Mt Cook together this month!
Each month we set three new #microchallenges to add interest and silliness to your Walk1200km kilometres.
Our favourite six #microchallenge completers receive a money-can’t-buy limited edition Walk1200km badge, and the best entry for each challenge receives a prize from our partners.
This month’s challenges are:
Aoraki anywhere: Do walks with a total elevation gain equal to or greater than the height of Aoraki – 3724m – in 30 days or less.
Partner prize: A pair of AKU Flyrock shoes worth $385!
Do a lap of something: Do a walk that circles something, such as a hill, a ridge, a field or park, a park, a lake or a pond.
Partner prize: A $100 Back Country Cuisine Voucher.
Find a feather: In Māori mythology, feathers symbolise mana, high status, and a spiritual connection to Tāne, god of the forest. Keep a sharp eye out for one on your next walk.
Partner prize: A pair of Bridgedale Midweight Merino Performance Fit socks!
Current Issue - March 2026
Every Tararua hut ranked, the possibilities of packrafting, three life changing journeys, 7 mapped trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
Photo of the week 📸
Our photo of the week comes from Alice Tolich and Leah Burson who completed the Pouākai Circuit for the first time, and had the luxury of staying at the new Pouākai Hut.
Submit your photos as part of our ‘Last Weekend’ column and go in the draw to win fantastic prizes. Email your photos to [email protected]
Featured Book
Wanaka: Lake, Mountain, Adventure
Neville Peat describes the scenic splendour of Wanaka and the myriad activities and attractions for visitors in this updated edition of a book that serves as both a guide and as a souvenir.
Subscribers get a 10% discount.
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