Photo: Trail Journeys
New Zealand’s network of cycle trails is world-class and continues to grow. But what is the best way to ride them?
To find out, we talked with three avid cyclists and tour operators about the benefits of riding fully supported, self-guided or self-sufficient.
Missed yesterday’s feature? Find this delightful day trip in a hidden corner of Te Waipounamu.
Quiz
The newest Great Walk is the Hump Ridge Track. Which year did it join New Zealand’s greatest’?
A - 2025
B - 2024
C - 2021
D - 2020
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
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Recipe: Keep-it-Simple Salmon
Just toss a lure out there’s a good chance you’ll pick up a salmon or two. Although there are hundreds of ways to cook a salmon, this recipe keeps it simple.
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Prep time: 30 min
Serves: 2-3 depending on size of fish
Ingredients
15ml olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 lemons and/or oranges
1 salmon
Chives and coriander (optional)
Salt and pepper
Method
Slice and fry the lemons and oranges in the oil and butter until they caramelise slightly, then stuff them into the body cavity and place a few on top (just for looks). Wrap the fish loosely but air tightly in foil then pop into a frypan on a low heat.
The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the fish. But you can tell when it’s done by spreading the flesh with a pair of forks – if it’s light-pink, firm and flaking then it’s good to go (it’s best to err on the side of underdone). Season to taste, then combine with a nice Central Otago Pinot Noir and enjoy!
Poll results
On Monday we asked Wilderness Daily readers how often you carry trekking poles.
The results are in: 67% of you carry poles every time, 25% of you take them when the situation calls for them and 8% you never carry poles.
Here is a selection of comments from readers:
“They have saved my knees, I also feel safer crossing rivers with poles if I am solo.”
“The knees are grateful on the downhills and also gives the upper body a good workout going uphill.”
“I wish I'd had them in the 1990s when I first tore some knee cartilage!”
“Unnecessary encumbrance. I don't use poles to walk around at home so I don't need them to walk in the bush.”
Have a question you want to ask your fellow Wilderness Daily readers? Send us an email at [email protected]
Quiz answer
Answer B - 2024.
The Hump Ridge Track became a Great Walk on 25 October 2024, 23 years after it first opened in 2001.
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