When I arrived at Barker Hut in Arthur’s Pass National Park for a recent overnight stay,

something didn’t add up. There was a pool of water on the table. I wondered if the roof was leaking but I soon noticed the cause: an open window. Rain had been driven in by the wind.

It wouldn’t have mattered too much if only the table and floor were wet. However, water had soaked two intentions books (one dating back many years) and a folder of route guides for the neighbouring peaks. The paper had turned to pulp. Your guess is as good as mine as to whether these things will dry out.

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: make sure you check all windows and doors are securely closed when you leave a hut. It’s worth double checking.

– Stephen Blyth

– Stephen receives two pairs of Point6 Merino Hiking Essential Medium Crew socks worth $100 from www.gearshop.co.nz. Readers, send your letter to the editor for a chance to win.

Winner’s luck

How exciting it was to see that I was the winner of #microchallenge4 (‘Aoraki anywhere’ challenge, May 2026). It was sheer coincidence that I reached my target on the Lake Matheson trail, and that for most of the time during the walk, Aoraki was firmly under a cloud. How lucky that it appeared while at the mirror lookout!

Thanks Wilderness for inspiring me to walk further – I’ve completed over 700km already this year. And a big thank you to the sponsors for providing the great prizes to inspire us to take part in the microchallenges. I’m really looking forward to trying the AKU flyrock shoes.

– Julie Malcolm

Don’t misrepresent PTSD

Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful magazine, which I have enjoyed reading very much. I, and I am sure countless others, find it exciting and relaxing in equal measure, as nature is such a powerful tool for relaxation and a break from time to time.

I was, however, disappointed with some of the out-of-date language in ‘A tale of adventure and tragedy’ (Track Chat, May 2026). To relay such a powerful story is honest, necessary and honouring to those affected. At the same time, to include a description of people with PTSD as ‘buggered’ is not only factually incorrect and misleading, but also potentially damaging to some of your readership.

How the brain stores and recalls information on past events is an incredible area of huge current growth. The brain constantly updates memories and experiences, and language is extremely important, for both how we talk to ourselves and to others.

Wilderness promotes so much joy for people, especially those navigating challenging times – and I feel that this piece has fallen a bit short for a lot of people.

– Thomas Bennett

– Agreed, this description is potentially harmful and should have been omitted. We have updated the online version of the article.

                – Deputy ed.

Photo proof required for topo map corrections

I recently completed a trip along the South Coast Track to Westies Hut. I noticed that the Angus Burn swingbridge was incorrectly marked on the wrong creek on the topo map.

Afterwards, I contacted LINZ and they asked for a photo of the bridge, with its sign, to confirm its location. I had to ask the DOC Te Anau office for an image, which I passed on to LINZ. It has said it will correct future maps.

If anyone finds an error in the topo maps, take identifying photos to help LINZ correct it.

– Joe Grossman

Do you plan to include a bequest to an outdoors organisation or charity in your will?

That’s the question we asked Wilderness Daily readers after publishing the story on the new Brass Monkey Hut (May 2026). The result: 47% of respondents said yes, 33% said no and 20% said they were inspired to do so after reading the story. Here are some of the responses we received: 

“I have often thought about it, and, yes, a nice way to give back as I have no family and I am in my latter years too. I do have a favourite location that I go to where there is no hut or shelter – food for thought.”

– Jeff Rogers

“I’ve already given the bequest while living. Hut has been built. Get to enjoy it myself.”

– Sharon English

“I love the idea of paying towards a new hut for generations of people to enjoy.”

– Bruce Humphries

“We can’t rely on government funding for many outdoor things now, so philanthropy becomes hugely important.”

– Helen McDougall

Sign up to the Wilderness Daily newsletter to take part in future polls.