Falling behind schedule David Hill made the decision to pick up the pace and push on with his daughter Helen. There was no way to contact Beth, Helen’s mother, who was waiting for them at the pickup point so they continued up an unsafe bank to save time.

Then Helen fell.

Miraculously, Helen was ok, but this story can be a lesson for all of us to remember: Never rush. Do everything at a pace that’s safe for the most junior member. Keep an eye on others and put yourself in their place.

Missed yesterday’s feature? Hazel Phillips’ new book Great Hearts gives voice to early women alpine explorers. Listen to our interview with Hazel.

📸 We want your tramping photos for our monthly ‘Last Weekend’ feature. If your photo is published you’ll received a Real Meals meal worth $18! Email [email protected] with your submissions.

Part 4 of NZ Mountain Safety Council's six-part series on mental shortcuts – or heuristic traps – explores the expert halo mindset. 

Find out how we can be influenced by others, particularly those who are loudest, most confident or the perceived experts in the group. 

Learn to navigate the expert halo mindset, and gain practical tips to avoid this trap. 

Watch on YouTube.

Brought to you by NZ Mountain Safety Council.

The blue symbols near B1WH indicate what?

Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…

There was one good thing to come out of a frightful night lost and alone in the bush: for the first time, Polly Greeks realised she could depend on herself.

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

2 Sept - 21 Oct: Women’s Adventure Film Tour 2026

Location: Multiple locations

The Women’s Adventure Film Tour® (WAFT) returns for its eight year, celebrating extraordinary women and their thrilling adventures. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled showcase of courage and triumph that will ignite your spirit. Don’t miss this unforgettable adventure! More info.

3 Oct: 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. 

3 Oct: The Prolific birdlife of Ōtari Wilton’s Bush

Location: Tāne Whakapiripiri, Wellington

Join in on this walk for the opportunity to learn about the birds of Ōtari in the company of one of New Zealand’s leading experts. Hugh Robertson is the author of the definitive Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand, DOC’s leading exponent on native birds, a self-confessed ‘bird-nerd’ and a regular Ōtari visitor. Take a short circuit walk to the Troup Lawn and back with Hugh calling up the birds and sharing information about them and their status. More info.

8 Oct: Aarn Pack Party

Location: MD Outdoors, Nelson, 5:30pm

Curious about Aarn Packs? Join us for an evening to discover what makes these unique New Zealand-designed packs so comfortable on the trail. Try on a range of Aarn packs, see the latest models, and get expert advice on finding the right fit. Already own an Aarn pack? Bring it along and ask any questions you have. More info.

10 & 11 Oct: 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.

17 & 18 Oct: OTNZ Canterbury Bushcraft Course

Location: Craigieburn Trails

This course will endeavor to develop your personal practical skills to use in the bush by experiencing the outdoors with qualified instructors. 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.

Answer C - Swamps.

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