Photo: Justin Sprecher
For those wanting a taste of off-track travel, the summit of Mt Peel offers an invigorating, but not too technical, adventure into the alpine environs of Kahurangi National Park. On a clear day, the views from the summit stretch in every direction.
Not interested in off-track travel? The trip to the pristine alpine lake is a worthy destination in its own right.
Mt Peel is one of our 75 Top Trampers’ Peaks. View all peaks in the list.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? In our latest episode of The Wild Podcast we talk with author Peta Carey about their latest book 'The Hollows Boys.'
Quiz
What is a clast?
A. A coarse-grained igneous rock.
B. A fragment of sedimentary rock.
C. A metamorphic rock containing grains of mica.
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
Current Issue - May 2026
Trips with mum, visit the new Brass Monkey Hut on the Lewis Pass tops, two Wilderness gear experts explain why they're bucking the ultralight trend, mapped trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
SKILLS CHECK: Are you ready for winter?
Be aware of shorter daylight hours in winter and have a plan B locked in place. Photo: Nathan Watson
It’s not the end when cold weather arrives, but getting outdoors does mean more effort, extra preparation and having the right kit.
Learn what extra gear to pack, how to choose the right trip for you and other winter tramping tips in our skills guide.
Featured Book
The Hollows Boys
Learn the story of helicopter deer recovery in Fiordland through the lives of three brothers, Gary, Mark and Kim. It reveals the true cost of an era fuelled by adrenalin and fast money – and beset by accidents and fatalities.
Subscribers get a 10% discount.
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!
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.
12 May: DOC Great Walk Bookings open
Location: Online from 9:30 am and 12 pm
Dust off the tramping boots and warm up those clicking fingers - bookings for DOC’s Great Walks, huts and campsites for the 2026/27 season open from 12 May. More info.
14-16 May: OTNZ Basic Navigation and Compass Skills
Location: Wenderholm Regional Park
This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to be able to navigate using a Topo50 map and ground features on well-marked tracks in areas typically open to the general public. More info.
17-19 May: Electrify Queenstown
Location: Tahuna Queenstown
Talks, workshops, and experiences covering advances in electrification and renewable energy. Test out new electric things, speak to leaders in the space (i.e. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts), tour an electric home and more. More info.
Various dates across April, May & June: Banff Mountain Film Festival
Location: Across the motu
Get ready, Aotearoa! The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour — the biggest annual fundraiser for the New Zealand Alpine Club — is back this April to July 2026.
Ski big mountain lines in Norway after losing a leg. Attempt a daring first descent of Mount Robson's legendary South Face. Journey by packraft through Alaska's Brooks Range in search of an Arctic mystery. Follow two fathers dragging their two-year-olds through the Swiss Alps on mountain bikes and MORE. Don't miss out — secure your tickets today at banff.nz
Quiz
Answer B - A fragment of sedimentary rock.
A clast is a fragment of sedimentary rock. Clasts are formed through the process of physical weathering which breaks down rocks into smaller pieces. They vary in size and shape, and can be found in river gravels, glacial deposits, and various other sedimentary formations.
Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.
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