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

The Department of Conservation says Waikato’s Nikau Walk, on the northeastern side of Pirongia Forest Park, needs vital improvements including “tree pruning and upgrading the track surface, both of which will improve the walk for visitors and make it easier and safer for DOC staff”.

DOC said the track gives access to the Kaniwhaniwha campsite and caves, as well as the Pahautea Hut and Pirongia summit further afield. Waikato biodiversity ranger Cara Hansen apologised for the closure and any disturbance the work will cause, “but ensuring we have safe access for visitors and DOC staff is essential”.

Te Araroa Trail users should use the Tirohanga track, which connects to Te Pahu Road from Limeworks Loop Road, as an alternative route, and are advised to check the DOC website or trail guides for the latest updates on closures. Read the full story from Stuff.

Key piece of Predator Free 2050 programme cut

A key part of pest eradication programme Predator Free 2050 has been axed in the Budget, and sceptics are doubtful the Department of Conservation can pick up the slack.

Predator Free 2050 Limited, a state-owned company, funded landscape-scale trapping programmes such as Pest Free Banks Peninsula. It also funded technical innovations in the trapping space.

The company will be disestablished, saving $12.6 million over three and a half years. That money covered the company’s overheads, said Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. The company has 14 staff and four directors.

Projects that are already funded will continue to operate and DOC will take on the company’s functions in-house, he said.

Richard Capie, Forest & Bird’s general manager of advocacy and policy, said: “DOC’s overall budget is being pared back to the bone, and now they’ve been asked to do this on top of other responsibilities … so it just squeezes DOC even harder.”

Pest Free Banks Peninsula programme leader Sarah Wilson said, “Whilst we are happy to continue our work with DOC … for us, the loss of a single-focused organisation that has a ‘whole of New Zealand’ view may impact our ability to achieve our predator-free goals.” Read the full story from The Post.

Now is your chance to buy two South Island skifields

Two South Island skifields – Mt Dobson and Ōhau – are up for sale, offering a rare opportunity to buy into the industry. Both fields are long-running, family-owned operations with loyal followings and strong recent seasons.

Agents say buyer interest is rising as confidence returns across the tourism and accommodation sectors. “There’s actually quite a bit of activity in the marketplace currently,” Adrian Chisholm, principal at Tourism Properties, said. “Covid interrupted a lot of baby boomers selling their businesses. Then came the recovery period needed to get profitability back on track. I’ve seen a lot of owners who say they should have sold before Covid, but they’re ready now.”

At Mt Dobson, 82-year-old owner Peter Foote said the timing reflects a personal decision. The sale package includes all plant and equipment, lift infrastructure, a Department of Conservation concession with 28 years remaining, and a workshop section in Fairlie township. Mt Dobson has posted three consecutive record seasons.

Ōhau Snow Fields and Lake Ōhau Lodge, owned and operated by Mike and Louise Neilson, includes the ski area and a lakeside lodge that supports year-round tourism activity, including weddings, conferences and adventure groups. Read the full story from The Press.

Exploring Hong Kong’s adventure islands

Should Hong Kong be your next adventure destination? Australian Geographic thinks so. They claim that when you go beyond the bright lights of the city, you will discover an adventure-filled region with cycling, hiking, paddling, trail running, and more.

Local resident Robin Lee, the director of Four Trails, a film based on Hong Kong’s trail running scene says, “Most people just think of Hong Kong as a concrete jungle, but once they come here and start to explore more, they realise we have so much to offer. It is an adventure sports paradise.” 

Lee recommends getting out and enjoying one of its most easily accessed activities – walking. Hong Kong’s hilly terrain lends itself to an overabundance of fantastic walking opportunities, whether that is tackling longer half- or full-day hikes, or shorter jaunts, such as the famous Dragon’s Back that links two pretty beaches (Shek O and Big Wave Bay).

Cycling is also popular in Hong Kong, with numerous rides on both road and mountain biking terrain. With more than 250 outlying islands, Hong Kong offers easily accessible kayaking and SUPing too.

Old tramping track restoration in Aorangi Forest Park nearing completion

Aorangi Restoration Trust has been working with the Greater Wellington Backcountry Network to restore the Old Mill Track, a 4.5km hike to the remains of the old timber mill site, part of the larger Aorangi Crossing.

Trustee Joe Howells said, “Most of the other walks [at the park] are more for the hardened tramper but the Old Mill Track is easily accessible off the end of Haurangi Rd. It’s a nice gradient.”

Howells added that it took trampers past some of the best beeches in the district, making it one of the more pleasant walks for families wanting to plan an outing at the reserve.

Currently, the trust and network had completed almost 4km of restoration, he said. “We haven’t quite reached the old mill but we are intent on doing that before the end of May.”

He recommended allocating four hours to get out there from Martinborough, walk the track and head home. Plans were also being made to include a picnic shelter and improve signage in the area. Read the full story from The Post.