Hiking pants help protect the legs from the cold, sun and prickly plants.
We break down what you need to know to pick the perfect pair and highlight five of the top options for 2026.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Enjoy expansive views on this recently reopened track.
Quiz
Which NZ tussock plant is often confused with invasive introduced pampas grass?
A - Toetoe
B - Silver tussock
C - Harakeke
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
Gear Radar, July 2026
Broad feet making it difficult to fit your tramping boots? You’re not alone - unlike Europeans, jandal wearing Kiwis have notoriously wide feet and in this month’s Gear Radar column, we highlight four boots that will accommodate the widest Kiwi feet.
Current Issue - July/August 2026
Shine a light on Cape Brett - Northland’s best weekend walk, discover winter magic in the high country, embark on a loop of Rakiura’s untamed south-west, six mapped trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
The weekend weather at a park near you…
| Location | Today | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelus Hut |
 -4°/3°
|
 -5°/-2°
|
 -3°/4°
|
-3°/4°
|
| Aoraki/Mt Cook VC |
 -0°/5°
|
 -3°/4°
|
 -4°/6°
|
-0°/7°
|
| Arthurs Pass |
1°/6°
|
-0°/4°
|
-0°/6°
|
1°/8°
|
| Ben Lomond Summit |
-7°/-4°
|
-9°/-2°
|
-8°/-1°
|
-7°/0°
|
| Brewster Hut |
-5°/-1°
|
-5°/2°
|
-5°/3°
|
-4°/4°
|
| Cape Reinga |
 11°/13°
|
10°/11°
|
11°/13°
|
13°/15°
|
| Karangahake Gorge |
 10°/15°
|
8°/13°
|
6°/14°
|
6°/16°
|
| Kaweka J Summit |
-2°/4°
|
-1°/1°
|
 1°/3°
|
1°/3°
|
| McKinnon Pass |
-3°/-1°
|
-3°/3°
|
-2°/3°
|
-2°/5°
|
| Mt Heale Hut |
11°/13°
|
9°/12°
|
11°/14°
|
13°/14°
|
| Mt Pirongia |
4°/9°
|
3°/6°
|
3°/8°
|
2°/11°
|
| Mueller Hut |
 -8°/-2°
|
-7°/-1°
|
-2°/1°
|
-1°/2°
|
| Pinnacles Hut |
7°/11°
|
6°/9°
|
5°/11°
|
5°/12°
|
| Pouakai Hut |
1°/7°
|
1°/3°
|
2°/5°
|
 2°/6°
|
| Powell Hut |
0°/6°
|
0°/4°
|
 3°/5°
|
2°/4°
|
| Rotoiti/Nelson Lk VC |
4°/8°
|
1°/6°
|
2°/11°
|
2°/11°
|
| Roys Peak |
-6°/-1°
|
-7°/-2°
|
-7°/-0°
|
-5°/2°
|
| Tongariro VC |
5°/10°
|
4°/8°
|
4°/9°
|
5°/9°
|
| Waitawheta Hut |
8°/12°
|
7°/10°
|
6°/12°
|
5°/14°
|
| Woolshed Creek Hut |
-2°/2°
|
-3°/1°
|
-2°/3°
|
-1°/6°
|
Report created on 25 Jun, 2026 at 03:08am. For a full forecast of the park of your choice, visit NIWA.
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Quiz
Answer A - Toetoe
Toetoe is NZ’s largest native tussock grass, typically growing in sand dunes and wetlands. Its large feathery flower plumes on tall stems are an iconic sight. Historically, Māori used toetoe for making medicines, house walls and roofs, mats and baskets. Pampas, on the other hand, is a pest plant in NZ.
Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.
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