The A-to-Z of New Zealand huts idea was born from Melanie Jarratt's countless bedtime stories that featured the alphabet, and the question: how could we combine our love for the backcountry with our son Herbie’s mastery of letters?

The criteria were simple: they would stay overnight in a hut that started with a certain letter, and each trip had to be an adventure. “We hoped to achieve the whole alphabet before Herbie turned five,” says Melanie.

See the full A-to-Z list and read Melanie's favourite stories from completing the project.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Visit this quiet Otago range for big sky views and a night at a modern lodge.

Thomas Jenkins was an inexperienced tramper but managed to walk the Heaphy Track from Karamea to Collingwood. After fetching supplies in town, Jenkins began the return journey. He was last seen at Perry Saddle Hut, but then disappeared. Search teams set out five days later and followed footprints for 16km down the Saxon valley. They found an empty baked bean can, then found the missing tramper curled up in his sleeping bag under a brush and fern bivouac, 4km off the Heaphy Track. After surviving alone in the bush for nine days, Jenkins had just a single tin of beans left.

See our list of upcoming tramping events and activities across the motu. Have an event you want to feature? Email us the details!

11 March: Stanley Bay to Mount Victoria Walk

Location: Devonport

The summer series of short walks is underway for the second year. Join the Auckland Global Trekkers on this community walk. More info.

15 March: Model Client Rock Climbing

Location: Dunedin

One day instruction on rock climbing skills such as equipment fitting, belaying, abseiling, climbing movement, safety and communication, no prior experience required. More info.

19 March: The Where, Why and How-To's of Bikepacking

Location: Further Faster, Christchurch

Jane Shearer, life enthusiast, outdoor sports fanatic, writer, and gardener, and Chris Nelson, geologist, avid skier, cyclist, and tramper, will share their stories from bikepacking adventures around the world and how they plan their trips, including their upcoming trip to Pakistan, Xinjiang, and Tajikistan. More info.

19-21 March: 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.

21 March: Hikoi Waititiko

Location: Mt Albert - Owairaka Domain

Join us for a journey along our local waterway, Waitītiko-Meola Creek from the summit of Ōwairaka-Mt Albert down to the hidden awa beyond Rocket Park.

Be immersed in pakiwaitara (Māori stories) about Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland with Pita Turei. Learn about the channels, culverts, tributaries, and efforts to enhance native biodiversity with STEPS (St Lukes Environmental Protection Society). More info.

20 March - 30 April: Waiheke Walking Festival

Location: Waikehe Island

This event runs over two months, featuring a range of community walks and activities you can sign up to, exploring the myriad of tracks weaved across the island, including hikes over private land not usually accessible to the public. More info.

22 March: Model Client Kayaking

Location: Murchison

Two days kayak instruction. Learning progressions from paddling on flat water through to paddling on a Grade 2 river. You will be going upside down in your kayak and you will be taught how to keep yourself safe and also start the process of learning to roll your kayak. More info.

28 March: Hike for a Cure

Location: Lake Hawea Station

Lake Hāwea Station is opening its gates once again for Hike for a Cure 2026 - this time, a rare chance to conquer both Breast Peak and Breast Hill. More info.

1-30 April: East Auckland Walkfest

Location: East Auckland

A curated celebration of the region’s most scenic and surprising walking trails. From coastal strolls to countryside rambles, this event offers something for everyone, no matter your pace or passion. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a family with young children, or someone who simply loves a leisurely stroll, WalkFest has options to suit all fitness levels and interests. More info.

Answer C - Weka are slow breeders, usually laying only one egg at a time.

Weka are flightless endemic NZ birds that are members of the rail family. They are both scavengers and predators, eating a wide variety of fruit, invertebrates, small mammals and carrion. They tend to mate for life and often produce multiple clutches of eggs per year.

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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