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

It’s official, it’ll now cost tourists $100 to visit Aotearoa starting 1 October. This is almost triple the previous International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) fee of $35.

The Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has opposed the move, called the fee “a blunt instrument” and warns an increase to $100 would create “a significant barrier” for tourism in NZ.

The world is taking notice. Major news outlets like CNN, the Guardian and Al-Jazeera have all reported on it with headlines like “The dream country decided to raise tourist tax,” “Hike will make South Pacific country incredibly expensive to visit” and “Welcome to NZ – now pay up.”

The Labour government introduced the levy in 2019. At the time National opposed it as “just another tax” but now supports it saying tourists should “contribute more to New Zealand”.

The New Zealand government has also recently increased the costs of visitor visas and there is a proposal to increase charges on regional airports.

Data from Stats NZ showed that travel export receipts were still down 5% from before the pandemic and visitor levels are at roughly 80% of pre-pandemic numbers.

It is “a triple-whammy for our sector, which is trying to work hard for New Zealand’s economic recovery”, Billie Moore, NZ Airports chief executive, said.

Would you walk three days for a pint? The wilderness walk to Britain’s remotest pub

The BBC is reporting on Ally Turner and her friend Glynis Mattheisen who completed a three-day trek through one of Scotland’s last great wildernesses to reach Britain’s remotest pub.

The pair, who live in Dundee, battled driving rain, high winds and midges for a pint at the Old Forge in Inverie, on the western coast of Scotland.

But despite the “atrocious” weather, Glynis says it was all worth it for a portion of the community-owned pub’s hand-cut chips. “It feels very special when you finish that journey.”

Surrounded by mountains, moors and lochs, there are no roads to Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula. So the only way to reach the village is via boat or on foot.

Over the summer months, just a handful of people a day attempt the 50km. Ally and Glynis were well-equipped, but warm weather was in short supply. “The journey was miserable,” Glynis told BBC Radio Scotland. “It was in the middle of summer, but we were freezing. It was so wet.”

Inspirational Canadian teen hikes in his wheelchair

CTV news in Canada is reporting on Finnan Pyrka, 17, who enjoys hiking in his wheelchair. Though it can be tricky to navigate the terrain Finn loves the independence of exploring the outdoors. It also allows him to spend time with his mother, who has started a wheelchair hiking group to connect with others. If you want a feel-good story to brighten your day watch the two-minute interview with Fin and his mother Patricia.

Meet New Zealand’s rarest bird – and those who are hoping to save it

Fewer than 35 adult tara iti, also known as fairy terns, remain, but three new research projects aim to boost their chances of survival. Department of Conservation technical advisor Ilse Corkery said the projects would address “key knowledge gaps” by working out how to best raise tara iti in captivity, reduce the effects of climate change, and enhance genetic health.

Starting in October, a PhD student, supported by the Shorebirds Trust, would research optimal captive-rearing methods while a Master’s project would focus on improving nest site protection strategies.

In December 2024, a Master’s student will study the behaviour and habitat use of captive-reared versus wild tara iti, while in March 2025, another Master’s student will start exploring better predator control measures.

Other ongoing projects included studies of hatching failure and the vulnerability of nesting sites to rising sea levels. Corkery said each project had the potential to improve conservation strategies for the critically endangered shorebird. Read the full story from RNZ.

Kaikōura plans to dim the lights

The Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust recently submitted its application to DarkSky International for most of the Kaikōura district to become an international dark sky sanctuary.

Project co-ordinator Colette Doughty said the proposed sanctuary area covers around 2039 square kilometres with a low-density population, which includes Department of Conservation land.

The prime motivation for the project was to protect the endangered Hutton’s shearwater birds / tītī from the detrimental effects of artificial lighting, she said. ‘‘The preservation of our pristine night skies will be hugely beneficial in protecting our unique biodiversity.’’

To support the application, the trust prepared a private plan change to the Kaikōura District Plan to alter the town’s lighting rules. It was adopted by the Kaikōura District Council in January. Read the full story from Stuff.