Taraia Object satellite image. Photo: archaeologychannel.org
The nearly 90-year-long search for Amelia Earhart made news this week when a visual anomaly in the lagoon of Nikumaroro Island, Kiribati was spotted sparking an expedition to the isolated island.
A 17-person expedition voyaged to a remote Pacific island in the hope of solving the mystery of what happened to the pioneering pilot has said the object they suspected to be her plane was a clump of washed-up trees.
Also in this week’s outdoor news: $55 million International Visitor Levy Conservation Investment Plan released, Yellowstone receives largest donation in US park service history, new All Trails list ranks the top 10 tramping trails in Australia and and more!
Missed yesterday’s feature? This is the most comfortable rain jacket we’ve ever tested, read the full review.
Featured Book
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A century of native plant protection
Dozens of trails meander through ancient forest and native botanic gardens at ĹŚtari. Photo: Kathy Ombler
Wellington’s Ōtari Native Botanic Garden, the largest single collection of native plant species in the country, turns 100 this year.
It’s remarkable that native gardens and forest of such calibre sit beside a city suburb, on a major bus route just five minutes’ drive from the Beehive. But it didn’t happen by accident.
Centenary celebrations, with a programme of talks and guided walks, are ongoing throughout 2026. A community picnic will be held on November 14.
Current Issue - Nov 2026
Discover this stunning 47km stretch of TA, 10 films to avoid before your next trip, a rugged, three-day tramp into the remote Tara Tama Range, the nightmare of being lost, the pros and cons of a smartwatch and dozens more stories in our latest issue.
Hut of the week 🏡
Scottys Bivouac. Photo: Victoria Bruce
Scotty’s Biv, Tara Tama Range, West Coast
Built as a replacement for a 1960 NZFS-built biv, Scotty’s Biv was flown to its current location in March of 2022 as a joint project between DOC, Permolat & the Back Country Trust. It’s a two-bunker with a newly installed water tank.
The new Biv is a B55 replica with a single end window. It does have two DOC mattresses, but no sleeping platforms or benches.
Scotty's Bivvy is on a route that DOC no longer maintains. However, it receives occasional maintenance by Permolat, who publishes route information to the bivouac on their website.
We featured Scotty’s Biv in this month’s story, Tending the Home Fires, by Victoria Bruce.
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