Sitting immediately west of the Alpine Fault, the Hōhonu Range was formed from a large granitic pluton – a mass of igneous rock that has cooled slowly deep underground. Tectonic uplift brought this pluton to the surface before glaciation carved the steep slopes, hanging valleys and waterfalls that give this range its distinctly Fiordland-like character.

This climb gains over 1100m of elevation through mud, scrub and a relentless root-strewn staircase. Despite the effort, there is little exposure along the route, making it an excellent gateway into West Coast subalpine tramping.

On a clear day, the views are expansive and stretch from Kā Tiritiri o to Moana the Southern Alps to the Tasman Sea, with Moana Lake Brunner to the north and Lake Kaniere to the south.

Missed yesterday’s feature? Author John Summer’s worst nightmare is the idea of getting lost. Leigh Hopkinson, interviewed John and discussed his new book ‘Green Sea: Lost in the New Zealand bush’ for our latest episode of The Wild Podcast.

You are planning to walk the Kaitaia Walkway from south to north. What is the height difference between the two road ends?

Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…

You are at a river which you want to cross; it’s been decided it’s safe to cross and where to cross. But how should the crossing be done?

If there are two or more people, the mutual support method should be used. This method is much stronger than other forms of linking up; if one person lets go they are being held by one or two others. There is less movement between adjacent people compared to other linking methods so the forces acting on the link are less.

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

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 poling 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 A - 170m up, 170m down

The road is 3½ contour lines (70m) below the 200m dark contour line, meaning it starts at 130m. The track climbs to the 300m contour line halfway along the track, making the climb from the start 170m.

Then the track descends to the road end to 1½ contour lines (30m) above the 100m dark contour line, making the ending elevation 130m. The descent from the midway point of the track is 170m down.

Quiz provided by Heather Grady from Outdoor Training New Zealand.

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