Urban walks like the 130km Christchurch 360 Trail provide a connection to the places we live in and an adventure close to home.

The concept of the trail was raised by ecologist Dr Colin Meurk ONZM, who campaigned to get natural habitats like Travis Wetland protected. Much of Ōtautahi is laid out in a grid pattern, reflecting the principles of the Garden City movement. But for those who know where to look, within that grid there are oases – natural habitats like wetlands, estuaries and lagoons.

Missed Friday’s feature? DOC call centre logs calls about MMA chimpanzee bout, eel-eating seals and UFOs, why PCT thru-hikers find TA so difficult, new backcountry deal to boost support for hut and track network more in last week’s The World Outdoors.

Check Wednesday’s newsletter for the results!

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Chief Horonuku Te Heuheu Tūkino IV (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) signed a deed with the government that ensured the mountaintops of Tongariro, Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu could never be sold. The initiative reflected Ngāti Tūwharetoa’s ongoing concern for its sacred mountains, and fear that the land might be confiscated. The iwi intended that they and the government would take joint responsibility for protecting the sacred maunga. The 2638ha area became the nucleus of the proposed Tongariro National Park – New Zealand’s first, and the fourth in the world.

This week’s photo comes from Jo Stilwell. The picture shows the extensive upper flats from above Boundary Creek, which Jo says are excellent for camping.

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