A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world.

In New Mexico, US, a local tramper called Speedy Holmes had seen on the news that someone called ‘Chris’ was missing. He never thought he might be the one to find him.

Speedy went out into the hills near Alberquerque and spotted some bags lying in the middle of nowhere. It was only when he got closer he saw someone was lying there.

“I walked over there, and I immediately asked him, ‘are you okay?’ And he looked at me and said, ‘no,’” Speedy explained.

Chris had wandered into the hills planning not to return. He’d hit rock bottom. After several days he changed his mind, but had got lost and had now been missing for three weeks.

Speedy gave him water and a bit to eat before carrying him for two hours to be met by rescuers. “He looked at me, we pounded our fists, and he just burst out crying, and they closed the door.” Read more here. 

Te Urewera hut mysteriously burns down

A pest control contractor has discovered that one of the huts protected by a court injunction in Te Urewera has been burned down.

Otamatuna Hut was one of those scheduled to be taken down by Te Uru Taumatua, the Ngāi Tūhoe iwi settlement entity, until courts ordered a halt to proceedings after protests.

Te Uru Taumatua denies having anything to do with the fire. Read more at New Zealand Herald.

The council that’s allowing wheelchair users to mount the Mount

A brilliant council initiative is making Mount Maunganui more accessible than ever before.

The hill, overlooking Tauranga, is a popular climb for locals and visitors, but hadn’t really been achievable for those in a wheelchair until Tauranga City Council introduced an all-terrain wheelchair to help people reach the summit.

TrailRider, as it’s called, has already helped people relive their tramping days, including Amanda Lowry, who was paralysed when she broke her neck in a surfing accident in 2013.

“Post-accident, I thought I’d never get another opportunity again,” she said. “My partner would go up and take photos from the top and send them saying ‘Mauao says hi’. To do it again … what a gift.” Read more at Stuff. 

Fifty-year masterplan for iconic Hawke’s Bay peak

South of Hastings rises Te Mata Peak – a beautiful hill rich in Māori history, which was donated to the public nearly 100 years ago.

Now, its future has been mapped out, thanks to Te Mata Park Trust’s 50-year plan. This will include native plant restoration, as well as new infrastructure.

At the same time, the trust is experiencing a funding shortfall and is asking the public for help to secure the park’s future. Read more at RNZ. 

Mackenzie pests are in trouble

This is thanks to a $5 million boost from Predator Free 2050 to Te Manahuna Aoraki project.

The project covers, among other areas, the mountain ranges in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and lakes Pūkaki and Takapō/Tekapo.

It aims to protect braided river and alpine species in the region by tackling predators and has plans to install predator-proof fences to protect specific species. Read more at Stuff.