Complete the crossword and rearrange the letters in the blue squares to spell out the hidden solution. Send your answer, name and address, by October 20, to: wildernessword@lifestylepublishing.co.nz. All correct entries go in the draw to win one of five Hydrapak Stash bottles worth $49.99.

Across

1. Little _____ Island – island off the north-eastern coast of NZ’s North Island (7)
5. Mt _____ – peak that is part of Seaward Kaikoura Range (5)
8. Colour of clear unpolluted sky on sunny day (5)
9. Air becomes _____ at higher altitudes (7)
10. Prolonged shortage of rainfall that parches land (7)
12. Mountain _____ – alpine plant you might spot (5)
13. _____ Mountains – range in Fiordland National Park (6)
15. Deep ravines or steep narrow valleys (6)
18. Coniferous NZ native tree seen in bush (5)
19. Testing your powers of endurance – like long difficult tramp, eg (7)
21. Red-_____ parakeet – NZ bird commonly known as kakariki (7)
22. Woody climbing tropical vine (5)
23. Fertile tract in desert – or sight of hut after long tramp! (5)
24. What winds do after storm passes (3,4)

Down

1. _____ rivers – rivers with wide shingle beds and snaking channels (7)
2. NZ wetland reed plant (5)
3. Crampons are needed for this condition on mountain (3)
4. Type of flightless bird that includes kiwi (6)
5. You might eat this if you take appropriate pan on tramp (5,4)
6. _____ for yourself – being self-sufficient in wilderness (7)
7. Start tramp _____ in order to finish before nightfall (5)
11. Degrees of steepness in terrain (9)
14. Daily food supplies for wilderness adventure (7)
16. Give necessary nourishment and energy – scroggin snacks do this (7)
17. _____ dotterel – small plover seen on NZ seashores and estuaries (6)
18. This describes close-up photography of plantlife, eg (5)
20. _____ River – river in south Canterbury with source on Mt Studholme (5)
22. ___ of the land – natural features of area (3)

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