Kylie Kennett, Naomi Rogers and Nala (the dog) summited Kapakapanui in the Tararua Range for Pia’s birthday. “It was just magic,” said Pia. “It felt like walking in a Lord of the Rings movie.”

Cora, Autumn, Ember and Edward Wilson enjoyed a wet hike to Jans Hut in Remutaka Forest Park.

Johanna Taylor and her dog Zoe climbed Beuzenberg Peak. “It’s always a special achievement climbing above 2000m, especially for a working dog,” said Johanna. “I’m beyond proud of her.”

Jo Booker and Tracey Ryall enjoyed the sunshine on Sugarloaf Pass on the Five Passes. “It lived up to its reputation as one of New Zealand’s classic routes,” said Jo. After reading about the Walk1200km challenge in Wilderness, Jo was inspired to walk 5200km in 2024 to raise money for the Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust. So far, she has walked 1785km.

Sharon Patterson went on her first solo camping overnighter to Pahautea Hut on Mt Pirongia. “I scrambled up and down the tree roots, rocks and mud on the Mahaukura Track. So happy to have made it,” she said.

Elsa Leech, Nina Gardner, Emma Gardner and Milly Leech tramped the Mt Richardson, Blowhard and Bypass Track loop. The blue skies were a treat after a cloudy start.