This day trip provides a bit of everything on offer in the Tararua: native bush, semi-open tops with views and a picturesque river to cool off in on a hot day. And it's all within an hour of Wellington's CBD.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See the Routeburn's highlights in just one day on this trip.

Down clusters consist of filaments that grow from a central quill point and look like dandelion pods. The clusters expand or ‘loft’ to fill space and trap tiny pockets of air within the filaments to create thousands of insulating pockets. But they’re very fragile and once damaged they lose the ability to trap air.

Neil Stichbury from Outfitters NZ, distributor for Rab, says how a bag is stored can cause more damage than stuffing and removing a bag into a cram sac. “It’s prolonged compression that destroys the microscopic filaments on a cluster,” he says. “Ideally after every use a bag should be dried, aired and placed into its mesh storage sac, ideally off the floor where air can circulate.”

Stichbury says the answer to ‘how long can I keep a down bag stuffed’ is: “Don’t! Try and preserve it as much as you can.”

Want to ask the experts a question? Email [email protected] with your questions!

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

24, 25 & 31 Jan: Women’s Intro to Trad Climbing

Location: Port Hills

This course is designed for female climbers who are looking to learn the fundamentals of traditional (trad) climbing with protection. More info.

29 Jan: Shar Mathias and Oak Jones - Zanskar Expedition

Location: Cashmere Club, Christchurch

Zanskar, India is a land of canyons, rock faces, high glaciers and approachable passes. In July 2025, two Canterbury Westland Alpine Club members went on a journey from Photoksar village, up the Photang Tokpo river, and around three peaks at the head of the valley. Listen to their story. More info.

29 Jan: Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up

Location: Wellington

Roll up your sleeves and join us for the Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up 2026. Help clean up our waterfront and keep trash out of our harbour. More info.

30 Jan: Tieke Kāinga Overnight Hīkoi

Location: Pipiriki

This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich and diverse histories of the Whanganui awa as shared by mana whenua of the middle reaches; hosted by the whānau of iwi Te Korowai o Wainuiārua. More info.

31 Jan: Kiwi Avoidance Training 

Location: Ōwhango

Kiwi avoidance training is the best practice option to ensure your dog will be less likely to pursue and harm wild kiwi, and is required for any dogs taken into Tongariro, Erua, and Rangataua forest hunting areas. More info.

31 Jan: Sika Foundation Whio & Kiwi Avoidance Training 

Location: Whakaipo Bay, Taupō

Kiwi avoidance training is the best practice option to ensure your dog will be less likely to pursue and harm wild kiwi, and is required for any dogs taken into Tongariro, Erua, and Rangataua forest hunting areas. More info.

1 Feb: World Wetland Day Festival

Location: Matuku Link Reserve, Auckland

From engaging with VR headsets to admiring our resident eels, you’re invited to enjoy games and crafts for the kids, as well as guided walks by experts to answer all your nature questions at this free event. More info.

1 Feb: Model Client Canyoning

Location: North Island

Guided canyoning trip. Learning canyoning skills such as abseiling, and techniques for jumping, spotting, river swimming and sliding. Knowledge of the canyon environment through environmental and cultural interpretation. More info.

14 Feb: Outdoor Training New Zealand River Safety

Location: West Melton, Canterbury

Rivers are one of the greatest hazards in the New Zealand outdoors - learn how to read a river and where the best place to cross is. More info.

20 Feb: Ngatuhoa Camping Trip

Location: Ngatuhoa

Join the Alpine Sports club for summer camping at the beautiful Ngatuhoa lodge campsite. They have exclusive use of the campsite over this weekend. More info.

21-22 Feb: Outdoor Training New Zealand River Safety

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.

Answer C - George Lowe

NZ mountaineer and film director George Lowe was a member of the 1953 British Mt Everest Expedition during which Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first known people to reach the summit of the mountain. George Lowe helped prepare the route, and also directed a documentary film during the expedition.

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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