From his first tramp at age nine to solo travel abroad and a risky trip to a remote West Coast biv, doctor, tramper and photographer Ben Ng-Wai Shing shares the three trips that have had the greatest impact on him.

Missed yesterday’s feature? Take refuge in Abel Tasman’s quiet interior at this hut.

Established in 1990, outdoor clothing manufacturer Earth Sea Sky has a family heritage that spans four generations and has been at the forefront of New Zealand’s outdoor clothing industry for over 80 years. Our small family-owned Christchurch-based business uses the world’s best fabrics and creates all designs in-house.

We offer a full range of performance outdoor clothing, and our goals are simple: our clothing must perform, look good, fit perfectly and last beyond expectation. All garments are 100% NZ-made.

There are many large lakes on the South Island. Which has the largest surface area?

Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…

There are many unwritten rules attached to trail etiquette that foster positive experiences, lasting use of trails and protection of the environment. Here are eight, written down.

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.

4 Nov: A short history of the mapping of New Zealand’s National Parks

Location: 4 Moncrieff Street, Wellington, 6:30pm

Join experienced cartographer, Geoff Aitken on a journey through the history of the mapping of New Zealand’s national parks. Hang around afterwards for our quarterly veterans catch-up. More info.

5 Nov: Learn about the rescue with Westpac Rescue Helicopter 

Location: 17 George Bolt Drive, Lyall Bay, 10:30am

Learn what happens when a PLB is set off, when a  111 call is made. Talk with the crew about what is needed from us when they are responding to a call out. The visit starts with a 20-minute talk from the Westpac Helicopter staff, then an opportunity to  look over the helicopter and talk with the crew.

5 Nov: 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.

7 Nov: 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.

14 & 15 Nov: 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.

21 Nov: 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.

26 Nov: How to Use Poles Workshop 

Location: MD Outdoors, Nelson, 5:30pm

Curious about how to best use poles for running or hiking? Whether you've already got a pair or you're wondering if they're worth it, this workshop is for you. Join us for a practical workshop on how to best use poles, try out different poleing techniques and learn from a physio about how they can best help you for your adventures! More info.

26-28 Nov: 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.

4 & 5 Dec: The Spectacle Road & Trail Running Festival

Location: Nelson

The Spectacle has been created by runners, for all runners. From the mile to the 100 mile, the trails to the road, beginners to Olympians. Join in for an incredible weekend of running & festivities! More info.

5 & 6 Dec: 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.

5 & 6 Dec: OTNZ Canterbury Bushcraft Course

Location: Craigieburn Trails

This course will endeavour to develop your personal practical skills to use in the bush by experiencing the outdoors with qualified instructors. More info.

10 Dec: Mountains on Stage Winter Edition

Location: 27 Arthur Street, Christchurch, 7pm

The programme features three films on trail running, mountaineering and skiing. Get ready to discover extraordinary life journeys and to share in the doubts and fears of athletes who bare their souls on screen. More info.

Answer D - Lake Te Anau

Lake Te Anau has a surface area of 344km2. Lake Wakatipu is a close second at 291km2.

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