After a drizzly morning traversing the Diedrichs Range, Toaroha Saddle Bivouac makes a welcome lunch spot. Photo: Mark Watson

Four decades of shelter

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Mark Watson

Mark is Wilderness’s gear editor and a dedicated storyteller, documenting his adventures in both words and photos.

By Mark Watson

Toaroha Saddle Bivouac, Central Westland

Perched on the high saddle that connects the Diedrich Range with the Toaroha Range and separates the Toaroha and Mungo rivers, this humble ‘stand-up’ biv has provided shelter for deer cullers and trampers for 40 years. For some it has been a convenient spot for lunch on the exposed hop over the saddle between the […]

About the author

Mark Watson

Wilderness gear editor Mark Watson divides his workdays between graphic design, writing and photography. His passion for tramping, climbing, cycling and storytelling has taken him all over Aotearoa and the world in search of great trails, perfect moves and epic light. He has published four books and his photographs have featured in numerous publications. Especially motivated by long distance travel, he has tramped Te Araroa and cycled from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.