Paulette Birchfield and Kathryn Conradson visited Griffin Creek Hut on the West Coast. “It’s a cool little four-bunker with an open fire and a lot of arty features – like the door,” said Paulette.

Tom Collins used a visit to Mangahao Flats Hut in the Tararua Range as an opportunity to teach his dog Tilly how to cross swing bridges. “It was slow going, but she got the hang of it in the end!”

Paula Marshall walked Otangane Loop Track in Tararua Forest Park. “The weather was wet, no view visible and the track was terribly slippery,” she said. “But I made it – hooray! – so chuffed. Happy tramper.”

Michael Parsons was enchanted by Kapakapanui’s goblin forest.

Charlotte Morley and Hunter Staples watched the sunrise from Powell Hut in Tararua Forest Park. Next morning they climbed Mt Holdsworth.

The Romanowski family – Eva, Kolja, Elliot, Elai and Miro – visited Mt Arthur Hut in Kahurangi National Park. “Miro would really love to be in Wilderness,” said Elliot. “He has cerebral palsy, so getting into the outdoors has its challenges.”

“Not a Southern Man but a great wife,” Ray Hope said of his wife Linda as she enjoyed a cold can of Speight’s at Tasman Saddle Hut.

Wade Bushett and Scott Winton jumped for joy on reaching Pāhautea Hut in Pirongia Forest. “It’s a great hut in a great location. Hopefully next time we get some views,” said Scott.

Greg van Passen explored a snowy landscape on the Manganui Gorge Track in Te Papakura o Taranaki.