A string of rocky summits rises above the roar of traffic on the Lewis Pass highway, their lofty peaks flanked by steep tussocky terrain and unstable scree.

A stiff 90-minute climb through beech forest brings you to open tussock tops and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks: Spenser Mountains in the north and the serrated tops of Victoria Forest Park in the northwest. In just four hours you can reach this stunning tarn-side campsite.

Missed Friday’s feature? Cause of November’s Tongariro NP fire discovered, DOC sees surge in summer visitor numbers across four regions, generous grant to allow more accessibility on West Coast Wilderness Trail, and more news in last week’s The World Outdoors.

The ZOLEO satellite communicator will keep you connected and secure when venturing beyond mobile coverage, connecting with your phone to send and receive messages anywhere on the planet.

Built-in check-in and SOS buttons make the ZOLEO a safety solution that works anywhere, independent of your smartphone.

When used with the free phone app, ZOLEO offers the best global messaging and safety experience available. Messages are automatically transmitted over Iridium satellite, mobile or Wi-Fi, using the lowest-cost network available for seamless coverage and connectivity.

Additional safety features include non-emergency medical advice, weather forecasts and GPS location-sharing to give everyone peace of mind.

Check Wednesday’s newsletter for the results!

Do you have a question you want to put to other Wilderness Daily readers? Email [email protected] with your question.

The Department of Conservation, known as DOC, integrated some functions of the Department of Lands and Survey, the Forest Service and the Wildlife Service. DOC's responsibilities include managing Crown-owned conservation land, protecting and rehabilitating endangered species and habitats, and overseeing the management of parks and reserves. The Conservation Act 1987 sets out the majority of DOC's responsibilities and roles. The department has been notoriously under-funded, especially given that it oversees one third of the nation’s landmass.

Bookings for DOC’s Great Walks, huts and campsites for the 2026/27 season open from 12 May with opening dates for bookings are staggered across several days.

DOC says the phased approach helps people who are planning multiple trips and reduces pressure on the booking system on opening day.

This week's photo comes from Michele Cunningham and the Nelson Tramping Club.

After reading our December 2025 article, ‘The last plateau’, which explains what will be lost if the proposed open-cast mine on the Denniston Plateau is approved, Michele organised a Nelson Tramping Club trip to the plateau to raise awareness.

Michele's letter was published as part of our monthly 'Pigeon Post' column. We want to hear your thoughts about the NZ outdoors, submit your letter to [email protected] and be entered to win prizes!

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