A shuttle operator has been banned from taking visitors to and from Tongariro Alpine Crossing for two weeks after it “potentially put lives at risk” by ignoring a hazardous weather warning, according to DOC.

The company won’t be allowed to operate in Tongariro National Park from next Monday until March 22.

DOC Tongariro operations manager Libby O’Brien said the decision to issue the company a two-week suspension was not taken lightly, and was the first time such an action had taken place.

Also in this week’s The World Outdoors: track to Harwoods Hole permanently closed over safety concerns, the nine-month-old baby going on wilderness adventures and more!

Missed yesterday’s feature? Stay cosy by wrapping yourself in 17 of this year's top sleeping bags. 😴

Bridgedale’s Hike socks is where the brand’s story began. The FusionTech fibres and design of Hike provide ‘All Day Comfort’, cushioning and wicking for everyone in the great outdoors. Hike is the go-to range for those looking for a walking sock that can be worn in all but the hottest or coldest conditions. 

The Women’s Hike Midweight Merino Comfort Boot is one such sock. With Merino Comfort Fusion Technology it’s a soft, fast-drying, durable sock with a close supportive fit around the foot. 

Bridgedale has socks for every occasion. Find out more at www.nz.bridgedale.com.

Take a look at this week's most read articles at wildernessmag.co.nz.

Arete Hut is a two-bed charmer nestled in some of the Tararua Range’s highest peaks. It's tucked into a small shoulder of the 1505m Arete peak.

It's the third hut at the site, built in 2008. The first was a “dog box” type Forest Service bivouac, built in 1967. The second was a “standup” bivouac built in the 1980s.

In his trip to Arete Hut, Peter Laurenson writes that, “the current hut is in good condition and commands a beautiful panorama, framed to the left by Bannister and to the right by Lancaster, taking in a sea of layered ridges stretching out across the Wairarapa.”

Care is needed in planning a trip to Arete hut. There is no safe exit during extreme wind conditions over the normal access routes from either Tarn Ridge hut or from the Main Range or Te Matawai hut.

In our March 2026 issue, we ranked Arete Hut 14th out of 50 huts in the Tararua Range.

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