This affordable kiwi-designed tent is reasonably priced for its feature set and its durability will hold up to our Roaring Forties climate. However, it comes with a weight penalty. Several hundred grams might be a dealbreaker for gram-conscious trampers, but for occasional users or those on a budget, it’s a lot of tent for the money.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Discover this little-known valley with wonderful camping.
Quiz
What type of geological formation is Orakei Korako famed for?
A: Basalt pillars
B: Silica terraces
C: Eroded arches
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
Featured Book
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An essential guide for any beginner or bird enthusiast to enjoy in the field or at home.
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Gear Review: Big Agnes Rapide SL
This version of the Rapide SL is much improved on its earlier model. It’s now insulated with two layers of mylar film rather than Primaloft, making it both lighter and more compact. The reflective film improves insulation too, boosting the R-value from 4.2 to 4.8.
Current Issue - Oct 2026
Circling NZ’s sleeping giant, 22 walks across private land, applications open for the 2027 Shaun Barnett Memorial Scholarship, ultralight gear reviews, gear guides, the best places for field testing your lightweight kit and dozens more stories in our latest issue.
The weekend weather at a park near you…
You can check the weather anytime on our website. Updates daily.
| Location | Today | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelus Hut |
 -5°/0°
|
 -6°/1°
|
 -3°/2°
|
 -3°/3°
|
| Aoraki/Mt Cook VC |
 -2°/5°
|
 -0°/8°
|
1°/8°
|
3°/10°
|
| Arthurs Pass |
 -1°/6°
|
 -2°/8°
|
1°/8°
|
3°/9°
|
| Ben Lomond Summit |
 -6°/-1°
|
-6°/2°
|
-6°/1°
|
-4°/2°
|
| Brewster Hut |
 -6°/0°
|
-7°/2°
|
-5°/3°
|
-4°/4°
|
| Cape Reinga |
10°/14°
|
9°/13°
|
11°/14°
|
11°/14°
|
| Karangahake Gorge |
6°/15°
|
9°/15°
|
9°/15°
|
7°/15°
|
| Kaweka J Summit |
-2°/4°
|
-3°/2°
|
-1°/4°
|
-2°/4°
|
| McKinnon Pass |
-3°/2°
|
 -2°/3°
|
-2°/1°
|
-1°/5°
|
| Mt Heale Hut |
9°/13°
|
9°/12°
|
11°/12°
|
11°/13°
|
| Mt Pirongia |
2°/8°
|
3°/9°
|
5°/9°
|
4°/10°
|
| Mueller Hut |
 -5°/1°
|
-3°/0°
|
-4°/4°
|
-2°/6°
|
| Pinnacles Hut |
4°/11°
|
6°/10°
|
6°/11°
|
6°/12°
|
| Pouakai Hut |
1°/5°
|
-0°/4°
|
2°/5°
|
2°/6°
|
| Powell Hut |
-1°/4°
|
-2°/4°
|
1°/6°
|
-0°/6°
|
| Rotoiti/Nelson Lk VC |
1°/7°
|
-3°/10°
|
2°/10°
|
2°/11°
|
| Roys Peak |
-4°/2°
|
-5°/6°
|
-5°/4°
|
-4°/5°
|
| Tongariro VC |
1°/6°
|
1°/7°
|
2°/8°
|
2°/8°
|
| Waitawheta Hut |
5°/12°
|
7°/12°
|
7°/13°
|
6°/13°
|
| Woolshed Creek Hut |
-2°/5°
|
-3°/10°
|
-1°/8°
|
1°/9°
|
Report created on 10 September, 2026 at 7:04am. For a full forecast of the park of your choice, visit NIWA.
Quiz
Answer B - Silica terraces
Orakei Korako is an active geothermal area north of Taupō. It is known for its geysers, mud pools, and silica terraces. The terraces were formed by a two-fold geological process – silica deposits from geothermal water, and geological fault movements.
Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.
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