The Rock and Pillar Range is one of Otago's less-explored outdoor areas. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's not worth the short drive from Dunedin.

Its summit ridge is dominated by impressive schist tors and a night at this modern lodge is one of the best ways to experience the expansive views, the night sky and the sub-alpine landscape.

Missed Friday’s feature? Two week ban issued for Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttle operator,track to Harwoods Hole permanently closed over safety concerns, the nine-month-old baby going on wilderness adventures and more news in last week’s The World Outdoors.

This week’s poll question comes from Wilderness Daily reader Nikki Barnard who is trying to get a booking at often full Mueller Hut.

Check Wednesday’s newsletter for the results!

Do you have a question you want to put to other Wilderness Daily readers? Email [email protected] with your question.

From exploring the labyrinths of Okupata Caves by the light of glowworms to biking down Ruapehu’s newest cycleway or flying into the Kaimanawa Mountains for a heli-hike, more than 20 events were held across Tongariro National Park this summer for the community to engage with their local environment.

The Mahi Aroha Summer Nature Programme, organised by Project Tongariro, has been running for more than 40 years.

“It’s about trying to lower barriers to get people exploring our amazing region,” said Project Tongariro CEO Kiri Te Wano. “It’s also a really key conservation advocacy piece, as what you don’t know about, you don’t care about.

One summer event, linked to the Federated Mountain Clubs’ Love Our Huts campaign, saw 21 volunteers spruce up Blyth Hut. 

Our photo of the week comes from Neil Silverwood who captured this unique bird’s eye view of a flotilla of packrafts.

This photo was featured in our story ‘The possibilities of packrafting’ from this month’s mag. We talked with avid experts on how packrafts allow trampers to explore new terrain or to get more creative with their trips.

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