Poor weather has prevented contractors from flying materials into Oturere, delaying construction on the much-anticipated new hut. The hut and the campsite will now open for bookings from 18 December 2026.
However, progress has been made in repairing structural damage on Mangatepopo Track, which was impacted by fires in late 2025, and the track is on course for a summer reopening.
Also in this week’s outdoor news: See the 4.5kg tramping setup with no plastic, kākāpō population reaches new milestone, double break-ins at Earth Sea Sky’s store and more.
Missed yesterday’s feature? This affordable kiwi-designed tent offers a lot of tent for the money. Read the full review.
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The 3 P’s of tramping
At Further Faster we don’t beat around the bush when it comes to trail hygiene. So let's get straight into our top 3 P’s: peeing, pooing and period tips.
Tip 1 – Peeing: Before you even get to peeing, make sure you are not near any water sources or the track – at least 50m is the DOC-recommended distance. Now, some people have a natural advantage here, but the pStyle is a device that allows women, trans men and non-binary folk to pee standing up! An absolute game changer (some helpful advice: don’t pee into the wind). Use the Kula Cloth pee rag to dry off – they are soft, super absorbent and made from eco-friendly, antimicrobial, quick-drying fabric.
Tip 2 – Pooing: Get at least 50m away from water and tracks, dig a hole 15–20cm deep and get everything in there, including toilet paper, and then cover it all up. Packing out your poo is becoming a common practice around the world, especially in places where digging a hole is impossible, or you’re likely to contaminate a space or be culturally disrespectful. To pack it out, borrow compostable poo bags from your dog and store full bags in a Poo Pot or designated dry bag. A gelling powder helps deodorise and solidify waste for easier removal.
Tip 3 – Periods: They strike exactly when you least want them to, so be prepared with your chosen products and a resealable bag filled with a few teaspoons of baking soda – a good way to neutralise smells. Menstrual cups and period underwear are also useful. Clean your period undies 50m from a water source and empty your menstrual cup in a 15–20cm deep hole.
Need help with the 3 Ps? Stop by Further Faster and chat with the crew!
Top reads
Take a look at this week's most read articles at wildernessmag.co.nz.
Featured Book
New Zealand Bird Calls
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Gear to help you walk more this month 🥾
From tramping meals, to clothes and gear these six kit ideas from Walk1200km partners will help make your walks more enjoyable and comfortable.
Current Issue - Oct 2026
Circling NZ’s sleeping giant, 22 walks across private land, applications open for the 2027 Shaun Barnett Memorial Scholarship, ultralight gear reviews, gear guides, the best places for field testing your lightweight kit and dozens more stories in our latest issue.
Hut of the week 🏡
Pouakai Hut, Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
One of DOC’s newest huts, the 34-bunk Pouakai Hut, part of the Taranaki Crossing project, was opened just over a year ago. It is the third hut at this site and is built to withstand winds of up to 300kph.
The unique hut design, which even features stained glass windows, was a result of collaboration between representatives from Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri and architects familiar with alpine hut design and construction.
Have a hut you want to see featured? Send an email to [email protected] with the hut and why you’d like to see it featured.
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