On any private walk, the first step is to choose which of the many to undertake. Each has a distinctive footprint. Some are shaped by the landscape they pass through, others by where they lead you, and many roam through varied landscapes with dozens of interesting features.

In our guide we’ve grouped them into several types of experience to help you choose which is the best for you.

Missed yesterday’s feature? The volcanic scenery on Mt Ruapehu’s iconic Round the Mountain track is second to none. Read the full story and listen to a Q&A from author Matthew Cattin in our latest podcast.

What do the lines with triangles near the river represent on the map above?

Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…

A stiff and sore neck is a common tramping ailment that can affect seasoned pros and amateurs. Physio Samantha Sutton demonstrates how to deal with it and gives us two exercises to help alleviate the pain.

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.

15 Sep: Closing date for Federated Mountain Club Scholarships

FMC’s expedition scholarships support bold and imaginative adventures beyond the beaten track — from tracing rivers from mountain tops to the sea, to chasing Fiordland’s tallest waterfalls, exploring the tallest underground climbs, or making first descents into wild canyons.

They offer two types of scholarships: Youth Expedition Scholarship for adventurers under 30 years of age and Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship for explorers of all ages. More info.

17 Sept: The Great Outdoors Pub Quiz

Location: MD Outdoors

Back by popular demand for its second year with our amazing quiz master Emma. Grab your mates and test your wilderness wisdom at The Great Outdoors Pub Quiz! Theme attire encouraged - flannel, fleece or full tramping kit! More info.

19 Sep: 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.

18 to 26 Sep: Climate Action Festival 2026

Location: All over Nelson

Be part of a week of inspiration, education, fun and collaboration as we explore a regenerative and low-emissions future together. The theme for this year’s Festival is Our Place, Our Power. The 2026 Climate Action Festival is about returning to our place. Our Tūrangawaewae is where we stand empowered and connected. More info.

24-25 Sep: Adaptive Adventure Film Festival

Location: Bivouac Outdoor 6pm and Braintree Wellness Centre at 2:30pm

For many living with disabilities, a life of adventure in the outdoors can feel far from reach. The Adaptive Adventure Film Festival, run by Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust, exists to challenge perceptions of what’s possible, advocate for inclusivity in the outdoors, and prove that an adventurous life remains within reach, no matter a person’s abilities. This year we are thrilled to show six stunning and powerful films. The films, spanning rafting, snow sports, climbing, and mountain biking, speak to the importance of the outdoors, the importance of community, and the power of hope. More info.

26-27 Sep: Children's Practical Bushcraft

Location: Waitakere Ranges

Come and experience an overnight stay in the Waitakere Ranges at the Alpine Sports Club hut. Have fun with your host, Sue, making bush bivvies, map reading, and compass navigation. There will even be time to roast some marshmallows. This is an ASC members-only event. 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.

Answer D - All of the above

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