Screen capture from Fire and Rescue NSW Search and Rescue video.
Two hikers who veered off a walking track in Australia’s Kosciuszko National Park were found within hours using a drone powered by artificial intelligence in a first-of-its-kind mission, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said.
FRNSW’s remote drone used thermal imaging to find the hikers, while the hikers used a red light on a mobile phone to attract the drone in the dark. Its built-in speaker was able to talk to the hikers, and its spotlight guided them out of the park.
Also in this week’s outdoor news: Ngāi Tahu and DOC launch five new ‘national parks of the sea’, see this year’s NZMFF book winners, 2026 thru-hikers are loving these 8 items and more.
Missed yesterday’s feature? Gear review - find top-end durability with refined comfort in this shoe.
Sponsored
Fifteen years, one promise: ‘We know, we care’
Cycle Journeys services three Great Rides, including the Alps 2 Ocean
When Cycle Journeys started in 2011, it was simple: two vans, three staff and 30 bikes stored in shipping containers in Twizel. The Alps 2 Ocean trail wasn’t even fully complete, but Cycle Journeys owner Geoff Gabites believed in what it could become, and in the kind of journeys he wanted to create: rides that connect people with the places we know and care deeply about.
today Cycle Journeys is a trusted brand with greatly expanded trip offerings. But now is no time to rest, according to Geoff, “we’re just getting started.”
Start your cycle trails journey at www.cyclejourneys.co.nz
Top reads
Take a look at this week's most read articles at wildernessmag.co.nz.
Featured Book
Tongariro National Park: An artist’s field guide
With 400 illustrations, this is a field guide of rare quality for this spectacular park, home to one of the world’s most popular walks, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Subscribers get a 10% discount.
What we’re reading this month: Are You Trying to Kill Us?
Sue Graham on a fungi-finding mission
This intriguingly titled book is a 20-year history of Adventure Racing Coromandel (ARC). The longest-running annual event of its kind, it was co-founded by Andy Reid and Keith Stephenson.
Told in 20 chapters, one for each year, the book recounts standout moments and memories from the ARC community. It includes plenty of photos and is narrated in Reid’s lively and accessible voice.
The book is also a tribute to Stephenson, who died in 2021. His vision inspired generations, saw 20,000 kauri trees planted, and created Coromandel township’s first mountain bike park. All proceeds from the book go towards maintaining the bike park.
Current Issue - July/August 2026
Shine a light on Cape Brett - Northland’s best weekend walk, discover winter magic in the high country, embark on a loop of Rakiura’s untamed south-west, six mapped trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
Hut of the week 🏡
Photo: Verity Jackson
Pearson Hut, Kirkliston Range
This hut is a basic four-bunker in the Mackenzie Country and Waitaki area. It was originally built as a musterers hut and is steeped in high-country history.
A day hike to Pearson Hut is a long outing with steady climbs rewarded by expansive views from rolling farmland to tussock-clad high country. Alternatively, make it an overnight trip to fully absorb the history of the old mustering days.
Have a hut you want to see featured? Send an email to [email protected] with which hut and why you’d like to see it featured.
Want to receive fewer emails? Did you know you can select the days of the week you receive Wilderness Daily? Update your preferences here.
