From bagging peaks to snapping beaks

“Birding is the art of noticing. It steals your eyes from the trail, kinks your neck and stubs your toes on rocks and roots. It trains your ears to anticipate the call of a pīpīwharauroa shining cuckoo announcing spring’s arrival, and fires your adrenalin when a tūī’s territorial trill exposes a roosting ruru.”

So writes Matthew Cattin who jumped into birding in a big way by taking on a ‘big year’ – the challenge of ticking off as many species as possible within 12 months.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We looked at what to expect from your first four weeks of walking 1200km.

Built for where the water flows

Meet Hydratrek, the new amphibious water sandal from Teva. Inspired by nature’s best problem-solvers, it pairs tree-frog tread with a grippy Sticky Spider Rubber outsole for agile traction on wet or wild terrain.

A quick-dry upper, textured topsole and foot-hugging adjustable straps keep you locked in and ready to rip. Light, packable and built for those who take fun seriously, Hydratrek moves seamlessly from land to water and back again.

Explore Teva Hydratrek at nz.teva.com

Read our review of the Hydratek Sandal here.

How stuff works

Why are YKK zips used on everything?

“Because they’re so good,” says David Ellis from Earth Sea Sky. “They have honed their craft so much that no one has come close to offering the range or technology they offer. They’re way ahead of the game.” The Japanese company is the world’s largest zipper manufacturer and has been operating since 1934, registering the YKK trademark in 1946. It produces fasteners and architectural products in 71 countries. Macpac’s Martin Tatchell agrees with Ellis. “Anything else is seen as less superior. Their brand name adds value and quality to a product.”

Tramping calendar

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

10 Jan: Gentle Guided Walk with Land Search and Rescue

Location: Haworth Memorial Wetland, Te Aroha

Suitable for beginners, families, and seniors - this guided tour is led by some of the incredible local Search and Rescue volunteers - Brad, Shaun and Beau - who will teach you about safe hiking practices, what to take on a hike and show off one of their amazing local trails. More info.

17 Jan: Adventurous Guided Hike with Land Search and Rescue 

Location: Hamilton Street and Golf Link Track, Te Aroha

This mid-level hike starts at Hamilton Street Track and loops back to the starting point via the golf link track. It involves a minor stream crossing, followed by a gentle forest walk with one steep uphill walk via Tui-Domain Track. Suitable for people with a good level of fitness and mobility - this guided tour is led by several incredible local Search and Rescue volunteers. More info.

26 Jan: Hard Guided Hike with Land Search and Rescue

Location: Mt Te Aroha Summit Track, Te Aroha

Suitable for people with a high level of fitness and mobility - this guided tour is led several incredible local Search and Rescue volunteers - Jeremy, Thalia and Beau - who will teach you about safe hiking practices. More info.

Quiz

Answer C - Tuna

The longfin eel, or tuna, is a species of freshwater eel that is endemic to NZ. Longfin eels have an average lifespan of 35-52 years and can grow up to 2 metres long. They are found throughout NZ living mainly in rivers and inland lakes. They migrate to the ocean near Tonga to breed at the end of their lives.

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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