“The QCT sometimes feels like a bougie getaway for city folk on a big family catchup, but there’s nothing wrong with that. We’ve all done plenty of muddy slogs and gorse-bashing,” says writer Naomi Arnold in her story about walking the Queen Charlotte Track.

“The journey can be as up-market as you want it to be and you can have a great time with non-tramping family and friends.”

And there’s no time like the present to experience the track’s bush and coast. The settled weather of autumn means the track is at its most beautiful, benign and empty right now.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Clamber up a rugged valley to this two-bunker with beautiful mountain views.

Bridgedale’s Hike socks are where the brand’s story began. The FusionTech fibres and design of Hike provide ‘All Day Comfort’, cushioning and wicking for everyone in the great outdoors. Hike is the go-to range for those looking for a walking sock that can be worn in all but the hottest or coldest conditions. 

The Women’s Hike Midweight Merino Comfort Boot is one such sock. With Merino Comfort Fusion Technology it’s a soft, fast-drying, durable sock with a close supportive fit around the foot. 

Bridgedale has socks for every occasion. Find out more at www.nz.bridgedale.com.

Whether you’re making memories or starting a side hustle, creating content that people want to watch is a skill worth developing.

In a world of reels, snaps and TikTok videos, how can we best communicate our outdoor experiences? What techniques can we use to engage viewers, and how should we manage our gear? We asked three outdoor filmmakers for advice.

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.

9 April: Mason Gardener talk: Expedition to the wild walls of Greenland

Location: The Cashmere Club

Member of the NZ Alpine Team and fresh off a six-week expedition to the wild and rarely visited walls of Southern Greenland, Mason Gardener returns with stories to hopefully inspire other kiwis to head off on their own overseas expedition. Mason and his team established a new 1300 m route, plus repeated some of the region’s classic big walls. 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.

13 April: Canterbury Westland NZ Alpine Club section committee meeting

Location: Christchurch

Whether you’re just starting out or pushing into more challenging terrain, Canterbury Westland offers a welcoming, active community with a shared passion for the mountains and a commitment to safe, respectful adventure. Join them! 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.

Answer A - Glen

The Scottish word “glen” means a narrow valley especially in the mountains. The use of the word “glen” in NZ place names reflects the contribution of Scottish settlers here. Names include Glenorchy, Glendhu Bay and Glentanner.

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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