Complete the crossword and rearrange the letters in the blue squares to spell out the hidden solution. Send your answer, name and address, by August 21, to: wildernessword@lifestylepublishing.co.nz, or WildernessWord, PO Box 251566, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140. All correct entries go in the draw
to win one of five Back Country Cuisine meal packs worth $50.

Across
8. _____ Crossing – 19km walk across lower slopes of Mt Taranaki (7)
9. Courage and daring – extreme outdoor activity requires this (5)
10. NZ river in Otago that is tributary of Kawarau River (5)
11. This describes terrain with little or no protection from elements (7)
12. Concerted attempt to reach summit (7)
14. Breed of powerful dog used for pulling sleds in Arctic (5)
16. Adult male duck (5)
18. Puts up tent in wilderness (7)
20. Large densely wooded areas (7)
21. Yellow-flowering shrub seen in NZ bush (5)
22. This sort of countryside is well away from city (5)
23. Aoraki/Mt Cook is NZ’s _____ mountain (7)

Down
1. _____ grass – sharp-leafed plant found in tussock and upland areas (8)
2. Gentle bends in river (6)
3. Takes to snow-covered mountain slopes! (4)
4. Wilderness without birdlife might be this (6)
5. Quick photo taken of wilderness panorama (8)
6. Weather conditions where deposits of small ice crystals form (6)
7. Tall woody marsh grass with hollow stems (4)
13. Sporks are handy ones (8)
15. US national park in central California (8)
17. Atmospheric phenomenon creating bands of light in sky (6)
18. ____ __ the limits – challenge to extreme degree like extreme outdoor adventures can (4,2)
19. _____ Glacier – one of glaciers close to slopes of Aoraki/Mt Cook (6)
20. Plant with fronds seen in bush (4)
21. Trunk of tree (4)

Hidden Solution:This can give protection from wind and erosion (7, 4)
July’s hidden solution: Ski touring

Back Country Cuisine
From tasty meals to snacks and everything in between, to keep your energy levels up and your adventures wild. Each prize pack contains two dinners, two breakfasts, a dessert and two smoothies. www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz