The marked route to this secluded hut takes you into a majestic mountain amphitheatre. It’s no stroll in the park though. You should expect to clamber over windfall, cross the stream many times and push your way through vegetation.

But for those who make the trek, a cosy two-bunk hut with mountain views awaits. Chances are you’ll have it to yourself.

Missed yesterday’s feature? The highest point in the Kaimata Range offers unimpeded panoramas in every direction, tarn campsites, rocky tors and a decent climb.

Which spot above is likely the best spot for tent camping?

Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…

Up mountains, through rivers, in mud – tramping footwear doesn’t have an easy life. Leave your boots or shoes caked in mud and they’ll deteriorate quite quickly. Whether you have burly leather boots, lightweight trail shoes or something in between, the key to making them last and perform well for the thousands of kilometres they’re capable of is cleaning.

The process consists of two parts: the clean, and the reproof. Part one is about removing dirt and grime (and the odours that result); part two is about rejuvenating the water repellency of the footwear.

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

1 & 30 Aug: Recloaking the Half Mile

Location: Half Mile Reserve Alexandra

This is the project's third year, and they have 1,000 plants to get into the ground this season.

The group is planting our eco-sourced, volunteer-grown native plants following the removal of pine trees. Go and join, meet some Central Otago locals (both plants and people), restore our environment, enjoy some fresh air and some afternoon tea afterwards. More info.

13 Aug: Paddling Film Night

Location: Christchurch, 6pm

Whitewater NZ is partnering with UCCC to host our third annual film night series to fundraise for our Access Fund and bring the community together. 

Join for an evening of adventurous paddling films which will hopefully inspire some new missions. The Access Fund is dedicated to improving recreational access to Aotearoa's rivers through support of initiatives such as road/track maintenance and challenging legal issues. More info.

26 Aug: State of the Snowpack #2 with Penny Goddard & Anna Scheirlinck

Location: Further Faster, Christchurch, 6:15pm

State of the Snowpack Aotearoa is several evenings over winter, of honest, practical avalanche intelligence from people who spend their winters digging pits, reading terrain and keeping others safe.

Local professionals will break down what's happening in the Craigieburns, Arthur's Pass and the surrounding Canterbury ranges — not in textbook terms, but in the kind of plain language that helps you make better decisions when you're standing at the top of a slope.

This isn't a course. It's a community conversation because better information shared across a community means more people making it home. More info.

29 Aug: Gutsy Girls Adventure Film Tour NZ 

Location: Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, 2pm

Celebrate 10 years of New Zealand's premier adventure film tour spotlighting women who absolutely send it! Since day one, Gutsy Girls has been championing fearless female adventurers who push boundaries, shatter expectations, and prove that gutsy is a way of life—not just a moment. More info.

3 Sept: Outdoor Training New Zealand Auckland Branch meeting

Location: Point Chevalier Tennis Club, Auckland

The Auckland branch of OTNZ has an active committee, a manageable course schedule, and holds two monthly evening meetings to introduce new topics of interest and engage with the wider membership. 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.

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.

Answer B

According to the topo map, this spot is in a clearing on a relativity flat area. It is also near to a trail and a river. This will provide easier access and fresh water.

The other spots are either on sloped terrain or too far from trail or water access.

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