Jollie River, flanked by the Burnett Mountains and the Gamack Range, flows into the north-east corner of Lake Pūkaki. The river valley has two ex-mustering huts – Jollie Hut and Green Point Hut – that were once part of Braemar Station before it became enveloped in the Gamack Conservation Area.

Tussock terraces and occasional riverbed travel make for a long, but not too strenuous, day to the huts, allowing you to take in the stunning mountain scenery from the valley floor.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Packrafting is growing in popularity, opening up the landscape for trampers and adding new creativity to trips. Avid converts tell us why they’re onboard.

Between early summer 1863 and the winter of 1864, Alphonse Barrington penetrated the wilderness in northwest Otago. Accompanied by James Farrell and Antoine Simonin, his most famous journey began on 1 March from the head of Lake Whakatipu. The party carried oatmeal, flour, salt, pepper, tobacco, guns, axes, blankets and a tent, plus cooking and mining gear.

They tramped up the Hollyford valley, past Lake Alabaster to the Pyke River, prospecting as they went. When Barrington was separated from his mates for 10 days he was forced to abandon his swag, including precious gold samples. His diary entry on 6 May conveyed his despair: ‘Nothing to eat; cannot light a fire; all my clothes and blankets wet. I am indeed miserable.’ When the prospectors returned to Queenstown they were described as ‘three skeletons just alive’.

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 March: 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.

5 March: 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.

7 & 8 March: OTNZ River Safety - Auckland branch

Location: Karangahake Gorge

This course is designed for hikers – to help plan for journeys that may involve rivers and bodies of water; to develop river safety skills including hazard assessment and river crossing techniques. More info.

8 March: NBS Boulder Bank Walk

Location: Wakefield Quay, Nelson

The walk is 9 km & will take up to 3 hours. Some bach owners may have their baches open to visit. The Lighthouse will be open with historic displays. Walkers are encouraged to collect any rubbish they find along the walk, and we will arrange on-shore disposal. More info.

11 March: Stanley Bay to Mount Victoria Walk

Location: Devonport

The summer series of short walks is underway for the second year. Join the Auckland Global Trekkers on this community walk. More info.

15 March: Model Client Rock Climbing

Location: Dunedin

One day instruction on rock climbing skills such as equipment fitting, belaying, abseiling, climbing movement, safety and communication, no prior experience required. More info.

19 March: The Where, Why and How-To's of Bikepacking

Location: Further Faster, Christchurch

Jane Shearer, life enthusiast, outdoor sports fanatic, writer, and gardener, and Chris Nelson, geologist, avid skier, cyclist, and tramper, will share their stories from bikepacking adventures around the world and how they plan their trips, including their upcoming trip to Pakistan, Xinjiang, and Tajikistan. More info.

19-21 March: 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 Topo-50 map and ground features on well-marked tracks in areas typically open to the general public. More info.

21 March: Hikoi Waititiko

Location: Mt Albert - Owairaka Domain

Join us for a journey along our local waterway, Waitītiko-Meola Creek from the summit of Ōwairaka-Mt Albert down to the hidden awa beyond Rocket Park.

Be immersed in pakiwaitara (Māori stories) about Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland with Pita Turei. Learn about the channels, culverts, tributaries, and efforts to enhance native biodiversity with STEPS (St Lukes Environmental Protection Society). 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.

22 March: Model Client Kayaking

Location: Murchison

Two days kayak instruction. Learning progressions from paddling on flat water through to paddling on a Grade 2 river. You will be going upside down in your kayak and you will be taught how to keep yourself safe and also start the process of learning to roll your kayak. More info.

28 March: Hike for a Cure

Location: Lake Hawea Station

Lake Hāwea Station is opening its gates once again for Hike for a Cure 2026 - this time, a rare chance to conquer both Breast Peak and Breast Hill. 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.

Answer B - Rough cindery fragments of solidified lava.

Scoria is a dark-coloured vesicular rock composed primarily of volcanic glass and crystals formed from cooled lava ejected from a volcano. Although scoria is riddled with small holes formed by trapped gas bubbles, it sinks in water (unlike pumice).

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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