Hana Black is continually refining her pack list. Photo: Mark Watson
Since her first overnight bike ride in 1992, Hana Black has cycled from China to Sumatra over nine months and spent four years bikepacking from Alaska to Patagonia.
Locally, she has completed many brevets and countless shorter trips. She continually refines her packing list.
With our focus on the cycle trails this issue, we asked Hana to show us what’s in her panniers.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? From an overseas expedition to Kyrgyzstan to trips here in Aoteroa, mountain climber and author Paul Hersey shares the three trips that have had the greatest impact on him. Subscriber bonus: Listen to a Q&A with Paul in our latest episode of The Wild Podcast.
Quiz
The amber snail is endemic to NZ. Which statement about amber snails is false?
A - They are herbivorous
B - They are nocturnal
C - They can live over 20 years
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
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Gear review: Kathmandu XT Series Cordura 3L Rain Jacket
Ultralight packability and a thoughtful feature set are the hallmarks of Kathmandu’s new XT rain jacket which made from stretchy 3-layer Cordura ripstop with 20,000mm waterproofing and an impressive 35,000g/mᒾ breathability rating.
Gear editor Mark Watson thinks that despite a few flaws, day hikers and fastpackers will appreciate the high comfort factor of this light and packable stretch rain jacket.
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!
The weekend weather at a park near you…
| Location | Today | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelus Hut |
 -2°/2°
|
 -3°/3°
|
-4°/3°
|
-3°/2°
|
| Aoraki/Mt Cook VC |
 2°/7°
|
2°/7°
|
 5°/7°
|
1°/5°
|
| Arthurs Pass |
3°/8°
|
3°/9°
|
4°/8°
|
3°/7°
|
| Ben Lomond Summit |
 -4°/1°
|
-4°/2°
|
 -4°/2°
|
-6°/-0°
|
| Brewster Hut |
 -3°/2°
|
-3°/2°
|
 -0°/2°
|
-3°/2°
|
| Cape Reinga |
13°/17°
|
12°/15°
|
12°/15°
|
12°/15°
|
| Karangahake Gorge |
8°/15°
|
7°/14°
|
9°/13°
|
6°/14°
|
| Kaweka J Summit |
-0°/5°
|
-2°/4°
|
-4°/5°
|
-2°/2°
|
| McKinnon Pass |
 0°/3°
|
1°/4°
|
 2°/4°
|
 -0°/5°
|
| Mt Heale Hut |
10°/14°
|
10°/13°
|
11°/12°
|
12°/13°
|
| Mt Pirongia |
5°/9°
|
5°/8°
|
5°/7°
|
2°/9°
|
| Mueller Hut |
-0°/2°
|
1°/3°
|
 0°/2°
|
-1°/3°
|
| Pinnacles Hut |
7°/12°
|
6°/10°
|
6°/10°
|
6°/10°
|
| Pouakai Hut |
4°/6°
|
3°/5°
|
3°/5°
|
1°/6°
|
| Powell Hut |
 2°/6°
|
1°/7°
|
2°/7°
|
0°/4°
|
| Rotoiti/Nelson Lk VC |
2°/10°
|
 -1°/10°
|
-2°/10°
|
1°/9°
|
| Roys Peak |
-3°/2°
|
-4°/3°
|
-5°/3°
|
-4°/1°
|
| Tongariro VC |
4°/7°
|
0°/8°
|
1°/8°
|
1°/7°
|
| Waitawheta Hut |
8°/12°
|
7°/11°
|
7°/11°
|
6°/12°
|
| Woolshed Creek Hut |
2°/7°
|
1°/10°
|
1°/7°
|
1°/5°
|
Report created on 16 Jul, 2026 at 06:17am. For a full forecast of the park of your choice, visit NIWA.
Quiz
Answer A - They are herbivorous
Amber snails (Powelliphanta hochstetteri) are large terrestrial air-breathing gastropods found in the Nelson and Marlborough regions. They are carnivorous, eating other invertebrates such as earthworms and slugs.
Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.
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