In a world first, a kākāpō laid an egg in real time on a live stream hosted on DOC’s YouTube channel.

Images of 23-year-old Rakiura were transmitted to the world from a large cavity beneath a rātā tree on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island. DOC was able to make modifications to the nest to keep it safe, dry and install a monitoring camera. This is the first breeding season for kākāpō since 2022.

Plus: AllTrails names world’s 8 top hiking trails to visit in 2026, Detector Gadget comes out of retirement to hunt a rat on Ulva Island, Mautohe Cathedral Cove track reopens and more in this week’s The World Outdoors.

Missed yesterday’s feature? Read our gear review of the socks still going strong a decade after hiking TA. 🧦

Take a look at this week's most read articles at wildernessmag.co.nz.

Longview Hut is situated 60m below Pohangina Saddle, one of the windiest locations in New Zealand. The hut is surrounded by dracophyllum, tussock, leatherwood and other subalpines, and boasts great views eastwards over Hawke’s Bay hill country.

This 12-bunk hut was built in 1979 by the NZFS. It was extensively renovated by DOC in 1992, including installing a gas heater, which has since been replaced by a wood burner. Early in 2025, the roof, cladding, & fire were redone along with a fresh coat of paint.

The walk to the hut is spectacular with panoramic views over Hawke's Bay on a clear day. Read our trip report from 2023 to find out how to visit Longview Hut.

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