Winter camping calls for a shelter that can withstand strong winds, torrential rain and snow. Compared to three-season tents, winter tents are more durable, heavier and warmer.
Our gear experts break down what to look for when choosing a winter tent, along with six of this year's top options.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? The heart and soul of the Westport community once again creates magic at this year's running of the OGR.
Quiz
You crossed an estuary at a marked crossing point a week ago. At dead low tide, it was mid-thigh. There has been no rain in the catchment area since then. You are about to cross at dead low tide at the same place again. You expect the depth to be:
A - A little lower.
B - Considerably lower.
C - A little higher.
D - Considerably higher.
E - Considerably higher or lower.
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
Gear Review: Petzl Swift LT
Our gear editor writes, "This is an excellent torch for trail runners or ultralight hikers looking for stability and weight savings in exchange for limited lumens, but trampers expecting extended night hiking or route finding will want more brightness and burn time. Its tiny size and weight make it an appealing backup light for anyone."
Current Issue - June 2026
Expert tips for winter camping, seven overseas trails you’ll love, why a night under the stars is the perfect sleep fix, BTS at the OGU, mapped trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
The weekend weather at a park near you…
| Location | Today | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelus Hut |
 -0°/5°
|
4°/5°
|
 1°/4°
|
 -2°/2°
|
| Aoraki/Mt Cook VC |
 7°/12°
|
7°/11°
|
6°/11°
|
 2°/9°
|
| Arthurs Pass |
6°/11°
|
7°/12°
|
6°/11°
|
 2°/7°
|
| Ben Lomond Summit |
 -0°/5°
|
-1°/5°
|
 -2°/3°
|
-5°/-0°
|
| Brewster Hut |
2°/6°
|
3°/6°
|
0°/6°
|
-4°/3°
|
| Cape Reinga |
15°/18°
|
16°/17°
|
14°/16°
|
13°/15°
|
| Karangahake Gorge |
 8°/17°
|
15°/18°
|
12°/16°
|
6°/13°
|
| Kaweka J Summit |
-1°/6°
|
5°/7°
|
3°/6°
|
 -2°/3°
|
| McKinnon Pass |
5°/8°
|
4°/7°
|
0°/5°
|
-2°/4°
|
| Mt Heale Hut |
12°/16°
|
15°/16°
|
14°/15°
|
13°/14°
|
| Mt Pirongia |
6°/11°
|
10°/11°
|
8°/11°
|
3°/8°
|
| Mueller Hut |
3°/4°
|
1°/3°
|
1°/3°
|
-1°/3°
|
| Pinnacles Hut |
8°/14°
|
12°/14°
|
10°/13°
|
5°/11°
|
| Pouakai Hut |
4°/10°
|
8°/10°
|
6°/8°
|
2°/6°
|
| Powell Hut |
4°/9°
|
7°/9°
|
4°/8°
|
1°/4°
|
| Rotoiti/Nelson Lk VC |
3°/11°
|
8°/11°
|
5°/11°
|
3°/9°
|
| Roys Peak |
1°/6°
|
1°/6°
|
-0°/5°
|
-4°/3°
|
| Tongariro VC |
2°/9°
|
9°/10°
|
6°/9°
|
1°/6°
|
| Waitawheta Hut |
8°/14°
|
13°/15°
|
11°/14°
|
5°/12°
|
| Woolshed Creek Hut |
4°/12°
|
7°/13°
|
5°/8°
|
1°/8°
|
Report created on 04 Jun, 2026 at 07:04am. For a full forecast of the park of your choice, visit NIWA.
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Quiz
Answer E - Considerably higher or lower.
Estuaries are affected by tides and the river catchment. The height of tides will vary considerably. When planning an estuary crossing, take into account the tide times and height as well as upstream river flows.
Quiz provided by Heather Grady from Outdoor Training New Zealand.
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