You’ve read the online forums, done your research and selected your kit. The next step is a field test. By getting out there and actually using your gear, you’ll learn more in a few days than in months of research. It will also help you hone your gear list for future trips.

But where? Almost by design, Great Walks make the perfect testing ground for your first ultralight setup. As a bonus, you’ll also take in some of Aotearoa’s most stunning scenery.

Missed yesterday’s feature? Apply for a $1000 scholarship to achieve your trip of a lifetime.

Tested thoroughly through hard-wearing and drenching conditions, the Earth Sea Sky Hydrophobia Jacket’s generous length makes it ideal for tramping. The adjustable hood with wire-stiffened visor is made for New Zealand conditions. Good gusseting allows comfortable layering and stops the jacket from riding up when wearing a pack. This premium high-performance waterproof jacket is renowned for its durability. Made in New Zealand and loved by trampers, mountaineers and travellers.

“I love this jacket, I’ve just ordered a replacement for one I’ve had for many years. The best thing for me is the durability, it seems to last much better than other jackets I’ve had previously. It performed really well in very tough conditions – wearing every day in the subantarctic islands for months at a time, bush bashing through really thick vegetation in very wet and cold conditions. I also love the design, particularly the length and the top pocket. I highly recommend this jacket!” – Rebecca, Earth Sea Sky verified customer.

*Independently reviewed by Wilderness as best tramping jacketing in 2011. Design and fabric remain unchanged since.

The inside of a bend in the river is likely to:

Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…

Most of us are unable to get out enough, so when the opportunity arises we don’t want to miss it. We feel under pressure to achieve something if we’re not sure of the next opportunity.

Remember the mad rush on toilet paper following the first Covid lockdown announcements in 2020? Did people need more, or were they fearful there might not be an opportunity to get more, or any, in the future? This is an example of the ‘scarcity’ heuristic trap.

If you’re not careful this trap can lead you to push on regardless of conditions.

See our list of upcoming tramping events and activities across the motu. If you have an event you want to feature, email the details!

2 Sept - 21 Oct: Women’s Adventure Film Tour 2026

Location: Multiple locations

The Women’s Adventure Film Tour® (WAFT) returns for its eight year, celebrating extraordinary women and their thrilling adventures. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled showcase of courage and triumph that will ignite your spirit. Don’t miss this unforgettable adventure! More info.

10 Sep: Section Talk with Nina Dickerhof

Location: Cashmere Club, Christchurch, 7:30pm

The Olivines are a very remote range of mountains West of the Divide that have an almost mythical reputation. Bordered to the south by the massive Olivine Ice Plateau the Olivine Range stretches north almost to Jackson Bay, and is home to great mountaineering and transalpine trips. Nina, with her partner James Thornton has explored this area over many years, including the Central Olivines, and Nina will talk about a number of trips to this fabled range, with some snippets of climbing history thrown in. If you’re interested in remote multi-day transalpine adventures, you won’t want to miss this! More info.

10-12 Sep: 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.

12 Sep: Overnight hike to Waitawheta Hut

Location: Waitawheta

Group trip for Wahine and their young children: Hike to Waitawheta Hut from the Franklin Road entry of the Waitawheta Tramway. We will stay overnight and return the next day. 3-4 hours one way, relatively easy hike. More info.

15 Sep: Closing date for Federated Mountain Club Scholarships

FMC’s expedition scholarships support bold and imaginative adventures beyond the beaten track — from tracing rivers from mountain tops to the sea, to chasing Fiordland’s tallest waterfalls, exploring the tallest underground climbs, or making first descents into wild canyons.

They offer two types of scholarships: Youth Expedition Scholarship for adventurers under 30 years of age and Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship for explorers of all ages. More info.

17 Sept: The Great Outdoors Pub Quiz

Location: MD Outdoors

Back by popular demand for its second year with our amazing quiz master Emma. Grab your mates and test your wilderness wisdom at The Great Outdoors Pub Quiz! Theme attire encouraged - flannel, fleece or full tramping kit! More info.

19 Sep: OTNZ Canterbury Navigation Course

Location: Awaroa/Godley Head

This course will endeavour to develop your personal practical skills and prepare you for tramping safely in the outdoors, led by qualified instructors. More info.

18 to 26 Sep: Climate Action Festival 2026

Location: All over Nelson

Be part of a week of inspiration, education, fun and collaboration as we explore a regenerative and low-emissions future together. The theme for this year’s Festival is Our Place, Our Power. The 2026 Climate Action Festival is about returning to our place. Our Tūrangawaewae is where we stand empowered and connected. More info.

24-25 Sep: Adaptive Adventure Film Festival

Location: Bivouac Outdoor 6pm and Braintree Wellness Centre at 2:30pm

For many living with disabilities, a life of adventure in the outdoors can feel far from reach. The Adaptive Adventure Film Festival, run by Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust, exists to challenge perceptions of what’s possible, advocate for inclusivity in the outdoors, and prove that an adventurous life remains within reach, no matter a person’s abilities. This year we are thrilled to show six stunning and powerful films. The films, spanning rafting, snow sports, climbing, and mountain biking, speak to the importance of the outdoors, the importance of community, and the power of hope. More info.

26-27 Sep: Children's Practical Bushcraft

Location: Waitakere Ranges

Come and experience an overnight stay in the Waitakere Ranges at the Alpine Sports Club hut. Have fun with your host, Sue, making bush bivvies, map reading, and compass navigation. There will even be time to roast some marshmallows. This is an ASC members-only event. More info.

3 Oct: Outdoor Training NZ River Safety

Location: The Willows, West Melton

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. 

3 Oct: The Prolific birdlife of Ōtari Wilton’s Bush

Location: Tāne Whakapiripiri, Wellington

Join in on this walk for the opportunity to learn about the birds of Ōtari in the company of one of New Zealand’s leading experts. Hugh Robertson is the author of the definitive Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand, DOC’s leading exponent on native birds, a self-confessed ‘bird-nerd’ and a regular Ōtari visitor. Take a short circuit walk to the Troup Lawn and back with Hugh calling up the birds and sharing information about them and their status. More info.

8 Oct: Aarn Pack Party

Location: MD Outdoors, Nelson, 5:30pm

Curious about Aarn Packs? Join us for an evening to discover what makes these unique New Zealand-designed packs so comfortable on the trail. Try on a range of Aarn packs, see the latest models, and get expert advice on finding the right fit. Already own an Aarn pack? Bring it along and ask any questions you have. More info.

10 & 11 Oct: 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.

Answer C - Have deep channel close to the far bank.

As the current goes around a corner it hits the far bank, gouging a deep channel near the far bank. Inside of this it is often shallow.

This can be deceptive when you arrive at the inside of the bend because it can look shallow. When you cross it’s fine until you’re almost across, then you can step suddenly into a deep trough with a strong current.

Quiz provided by Heather Grady from Outdoor Training New Zealand.

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