The top six trips in Arthur’s Pass

Arthur’s Pass National Park is one of those pristine pockets of Aotearoa that is a true tramper’s playground.

Take on ridgelines and scree runs, find two red huts, and discover spots to soak on these six trips from one of the few towns in the country with an apostrophe in its name.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We featured our list of 50 walks to get tamariki tramping over school holidays.

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At Wilderness, we want to inspire others to get into the outdoors. We also want to encourage people to share their experiences through writing and photography. This was Shaun’s passion, and we recognise the substantial contribution he made to Wilderness and the country’s tramping scene. We’d like to help foster those who want to follow in his footsteps, tread lightly on the environment, explore our wild places and inspire others with a fresh creative lens.

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Tramping calendar

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

10 Jan: Gentle Guided Walk with Land Search and Rescue

Location: Haworth Memorial Wetland, Te Aroha

Suitable for beginners, families, and seniors - this guided tour is led by some of the incredible local Search and Rescue volunteers - Brad, Shaun and Beau - who will teach you about safe hiking practices, what to take on a hike and show off one of their amazing local trails. More info.

17 Jan: Adventurous Guided Hike with Land Search and Rescue 

Location: Hamilton Street and Golf Link Track, Te Aroha

This mid-level hike starts at Hamilton Street Track and loops back to the starting point via the golf link track. It involves a minor stream crossing, followed by a gentle forest walk with one steep uphill walk via Tui-Domain Track. Suitable for people with a good level of fitness and mobility - this guided tour is led by several incredible local Search and Rescue volunteers. More info.

26 Jan: Hard Guided Hike with Land Search and Rescue

Location: Mt Te Aroha Summit Track, Te Aroha

Suitable for people with a high level of fitness and mobility - this guided tour is led several incredible local Search and Rescue volunteers - Jeremy, Thalia and Beau - who will teach you about safe hiking practices. More info.

Quiz

Answer B - Pass between mountain peaks

A col is the lowest point on a mountain ridge between two mountain peaks. It is effectively a mountain pass or saddle. Cols that are especially rugged, narrow and deep are called notches, and these are often unsuitable as mountain passes.

Quiz provided by Pam Hutton/PuzzleBeetle.

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