Hazel contemplates her mortality on Browning Pass/Noti Raureka. Photo: Hazel Phillips
"I was warned not to attempt the Three Passes route solo, and for 10 years I listened."
Drawing on inspiration from historic female climbers, Hazel Phillips and decides to finally ignore the naysayers and tramps the legendary Three Passes route solo.
She details her journey with equal parts history, humour and a healthy dose of fear in our Off the Beaten Track feature.
You can also listen to Hazel read her story with a follow-up Q&A about the trip with our editor, Alistair Hall.
Missed yesterday’s feature? Immerse yourself in a tussock wonderland on this underrated Lindis Pass day trip.
Quiz
What gas is responsible for the rotten egg smell in volcanic areas like Tongariro?
A. Methane
B. Carbon Dioxide
C. Hydrogen sulfide
D. Carbon monoxide
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
Current Issue - May 2026
Trips with mum, visit the new Brass Monkey Hut on the Lewis Pass tops, two Wilderness gear experts explain why they're bucking the ultralight trend, mapped trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
Recipe: No-bake fries
You won’t care about the cost in weight of bringing spuds on your next trip if you can make this delicious side.
Photo: Maddy Bellcroft
Profile
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Serves: 2
Ingredients
600g potatoes
5 Tbsp cooking oil
Salt to taste
Tomato sauce, chutney or mayonnaise to serve
Method
Wash potatoes if needed, but leave the skin on. Thinly slice into fries about 5mm thick, pat dry with a paper towel or leave to air dry for a few minutes (not essential). Pour oil into a large frying pan on medium heat, add chips and fry, turning every minute or so for 15-20min.
You will know when they are cooked as they start to go golden and crispy and are soft in the middle.
Once cooked, sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.
Featured Book
Off The Beaten Track: Hunting Tales from the NZ Back Country
Told with equal measures of humour and heart, and punctuated with stunning location photography, this book is a must-read for both hunters and adventure seekers alike.
Subscribers get a 10% discount.
Poll results
On Tuesday booking for the 26/27 Great Walk season opened. We asked Wilderness Daily readers if they plan on waiting in the queue for a booking.
The results are in: 65% of you said no and 35% said yes.
Here is a selection of comments from readers:
[Yes] “Hope to book the Tongariro and the Milford Great Walks with a family member who is just getting back into tramping. See how I go faring against the rest of the world for the Milford!! ”
[No] “We often try our luck with cancellations. We managed to get two great walk bookings this season from cancellations.”
[Yes] “Heaphy or Paparoa, they are at my level and are among the ones I have yet to do.”
Quiz answer
Answer C - Hydrogen sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide escapes from volcanic vents and hot springs. While commonly found by hydrothermal features, high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide are toxic and can be fatal.
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