A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world.
Environment and recreation groups are warning the proposed cutting of 130 roles to meet the government’s mandated 6.5 percent reduction in spending could cause long-term consequences.
Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) president Megan Dimozantos told Checkpoint they were concerned about the effect job cuts would have on the mahi on the frontlines. “DOC already has the impossible task of managing a third of the landmass of New Zealand on less than half a percent of the government budget.”
Environmental Defence Society chairperson Gary Taylor said the proposal was the latest move in the government’s war on nature. New Zealand’s conservation estate was the main drawcard in one of its biggest exports – tourism – while agriculture also relied on the country’s clean green image, Taylor said.
Forest and Bird also warned of “long-term consequences for nature and the economy” from the proposed job losses.
Advocacy manager Richard Capie said, “We know that investing in nature-based solutions, increasing wetland protection, and controlling browsing mammals reduces the impacts of climate events and improves our ability to reduce emissions. A strong environment is the backbone of a strong economy.” Read the full story from RNZ.
DOC huts, lodges and campsite bookings open for 2024-25 season
Non-Great Walk DOC huts, lodges, campsites and cottage bookings have opened with a stagged start to give people a better chance of securing their preferred dates.
Bookings open at 9.30am on the dates below:
- South Island campsites: 9 April 2024
- North Island campsites: 11 April 2024
- Huts: 16 April 2024
- Tōtaranui Campground:17 April 2024
- Sole occupancy lodges, cabins and cottages:18 April 2024
- Momorangi Bay Campground: 23 April 2024
The 2024-25 season runs from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. Bookings for Great Walks will open in May, with specific dates to be announced later this month.
As part of its annual pricing review, DOC adjusted the pricing of 21 high-demand huts, campsites, and cottages to contribute to the increasing costs. “Not all facilities are subject to increase, just 21 out of nearly 1,300 campsites, huts, and cottages,” says Director of Heritage and Visitors, Cat Wilson. Full information on DOC’s website.
Pacific castaways’ ‘HELP’ sign sparks rescue mission, ends in a strange twist
A US Navy and Coast Guard operation rescued three mariners stranded for more than a week on a tiny Pacific Ocean after the trio spelt out “HELP” using palm fronds laid on a white-sand beach.
The three men had been planning to fish the waters around the Pikelot Atoll, when their 20-foot open skiff and motor were damaged by swells, according to US Coast Guard officials.
Their radio ran out of battery power, so the castaways gathered palm fronds from the island and arranged them to spell out “HELP” on the beach.
When the Coast Guard cutter reached Pikelot, the story took a twist. One of the first rescuers on the beach was Petty Officer 2nd Class Eugene Halishlius. The stranded men were surprised to see that Halishlius was Micronesian and spoke the local language.
When he gave his name to the first of the stranded men to reach the rescue boat, the castaways were stunned: they were related. The man was a third cousin, the others fourth cousins, he said. Read the full story from CNN.
2024’s best countries for adventure tourism named
CEOWORLD magazine’s 2024 rankings have declared Brazil as the best country in the world for adventure tourism, followed by Costa Rica, Greece, Argentina and Portugal to round out the top five.
New Zealand are placed seventh on the list thanks to our amazing landscapes and wide range of adventure activities. According to the index, hiking has become the most popular activity for adventure travellers.
CEOWORLD analyzed and compared 44 countries across seven key categories, including adventure resources, safety, natural resources, infrastructure, cultural resources, adventure image/brand, and government policies supporting sustainable development. The countries that best embody the spirit of adventure travel are ranked highest in the index. See the full ranking of countries.
Guided walks day in Herbert Forest back after 5-year hiatus
North Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club committee member John Chetwin is excited about the club holding its first guided walks day in five years later this month. The club has historically held these guided walks every two years but due to the Covid pandemic, they were delayed.
The goal is to help people get out and enjoy the great outdoors, North Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club committee member John Chetwin said. “We’ll show them around and introduce them to tramping and hopefully outdoor recreation that they might enjoy as they go on.”
The only requirements for the guided walks day were being able to walk for an hour on uneven ground and bringing a pair of shoes or boots with a good grip. Read more from the Otago Daily Times.
