On a recent week-long adventure, writer Victoria Bruce finds the Marlborough high country is transformed by winter, with different stories to tell.
Below is an excerpt from the story. Subscribers can read the full version online.
“The first weak rays of winter sun slid cautiously into the valley, catching on rime in the riverbed. A shimmer spread across water and stone and each step broke the silence with a sharp crunch. The ground was frozen, the creek edges locked in place, the current moving bright and swift beneath a skin of ice. Above us the sweep of the high country rose, immense on all sides.
We had woken to a hut frozen inside, our breath hanging in the air as we fumbled for matches and coaxed life back into the fire. Outside the valley waited in that blue stillness unique to deep winter mornings, as if the day itself was reluctant to begin.
This was the Leatham–Molesworth in winter: exposed and seemingly empty. But the longer you spend here, the more that idea dissolves.”
Missed yesterday’s feature? Scale the Tararua peak that earns its fearsome reputation.
Quiz
The Taungatara Route runs beside two blue crosses shown. What do these indicate?
A - Memorials for people who have died.
B - Danger areas, people have died here.
C - Hot springs.
D - Cold springs.
E - Mine entrances.
Scroll to the bottom of this email for the answer…
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SKILLS CHECK: Deciding how much water to take
Water is heavy to carry, but having enough is vital. Becoming dehydrated can have a serious impact on your performance and eventually will become a major health risk.
There are several factors to consider when deciding how much water to carry. Heather Grady from Outdoor Training New Zealand looks into those factors and gives us her top tips to know how much water to take.
Current Issue - July/August 2026
Shine a light on Cape Brett - Northland’s best weekend walk, discover winter magic in the high country, embark on a loop of Rakiura’s untamed south-west, six mapped trip reports, gear guides and dozens more articles!
Tramping calendar
See our list of upcoming tramping events and activities across the motu. If you have an event you want to feature, email the details!
17-18 July: MD Outdoors Nelson Film Festival
Location: Nelson
The film festival will be filled with door prizes, giveaways, competitions and epic films to inspire you and your family. Saturday night screening includes the awards night to announce the winners of this year's competition!
21 July: State of the Snowpack #1
Location: Further Faster, Christchurch, 6:30-8:30
State of the Snowpack Aotearoa is several evenings over winter, of honest, practical avalanche intelligence from people who spend their winters digging pits, reading terrain and keeping others safe. Local professionals will break down what's happening in the Craigieburns, Arthur's Pass and surrounding Canterbury ranges — not in textbook terms, but in the kind of plain language that helps you make better decisions when you're standing at the top of a slope. More info.
23 July: International Packraft Film Festival
Location: The Tannery, Christchurch 7pm
The International Packraft Film Festival celebrates the stories that grow from this freedom of movement. Through films from across the globe, IPFF highlights the creativity, curiosity, and passion behind packrafting, and the many ways people use packrafts to connect with wild places and with each other. More info.
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.
3 Sept: 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.
10-12 Sep: OTNZ Basic Navigation and Compass Skills
Location: Wenderholm Regional Park
This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to be able to navigate using a Topo-50 map and ground features on well-marked tracks in areas typically open to the general public. More info.
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