The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is reporting on concerns that social media may be creating a false representation of hiking, masking the dangers hikers face.
Josh Hamill, a content creator focused on bushwalking safety, said he had noticed a culture online that glorified poor decision-making. “Having an ‘epic’ is often seen as a viral moment worthy of sharing in a positive manner,” he said.
Darren Edwards, founder of the website Trail Hiking Australia, said while social media could not be blamed for people getting into difficulty, it could mask the challenges involved and influence people to take a hike out of their comfort zone.
“Social media focuses on what looks great, it’s all the beautiful images, the amazing sceneries, the allure, the challenge of the particular hike or walk, but it doesn’t always show the struggles, challenges, difficulties and the terrible weather that goes along with it,” he said.
Due to the plethora of hiking content, it takes much less research to find difficult hikes than before social media, according to Mr Edwards. Read the full story.
Endangered mouse-sized giant wētā released into Taranaki’s Rotokare Sanctuary
About 100 critically endangered Mahoenui giant wētā have been released into the Rotokare Sanctuary in Taranaki this week as part of efforts to preserve the taonga species.
Despite being one of the world’s largest insects – females weigh in at about 25 grams and are about the size of a mouse – the “gentle giants” are vulnerable to mammalian predators.
First discovered during the 1960s in remnant tawa forest at Mahoenui in the King Country – from which it takes its name – the ingenious wētā was later found taking refuge in gorse.
DOC Mahoenui giant wētā technical advisory group leader, Amanda Haigh, said the gorse offers dense shelter that protects them from predators. But unfortunately, over the last 10 years, there has been a massive decline in the population as the habitat changes. This is prompting the translocations to get new populations established.
The Rotokare Scenic Sanctuary release was the first of many planned for the predator-fenced sanctuary to establish a permanent Mahoenui giant wētā population. Read more from RNZ.
Irish tramper dies in his sleep hiking 3000km Te Araroa
An Irish tramper has “died in his sleep” while hiking the 3000km Te Araroa Trail. Stephen Andrew Eric Barrington, 66, died suddenly after what he described as his “best day yet.”
Barrington documented his journey online and on November 23 said it was his “best day yet”.
“It was awesome. 19km but the next stop is 5 hours. So stopped at lunchtime for a bunk room and promise of coffee and eggs for breakfast,” he wrote.
He seemed in good spirits and on the eighth day of his trek shared a positive message. “No life is lived without storms coming our way. It’s what you do in the storm that counts,” Barrington said. “When we have a strong rock to anchor to then the storm doesn’t seem so terrible.”
Barrington’s wife Linda died in 2021. In the wake of her death, he embarked on several notable hikes. In 2022, he completed Camino in Spain, while the following year he did the 3500km Appalachian Trail in the US, the Irish Independent reported. Read more from Stuff.
US father charged with child torture after winter hike turns dangerous
A Utah father is facing six first-degree felony charges after a hike in Utah’s Big Cottonwood Canyon left his three children in critical condition.
In early October, Micah Zephan Smith began the Broads Fork Trail hike with his children, ages 8, 4, and 2. The trail is a steep and strenuous route due to its sustained climb and rocky upper sections.
Court records identify a steady drop in temperature and increasing precipitation during the ascent. Family members urged Smith via text to turn around. The messages referenced incoming weather and concerns for the children’s safety.
The Smith family’s failure to return triggered an overnight search and rescue operation, but weather limited the use of helicopters and slowed ground response. At sunrise, teams found Smith walking alone on the trail. The children were located soon after and airlifted for medical care.
The 4-year-old arrived without a pulse and required CPR, intubation, and emergency surgery after suffering a stroke. The 2-year-old was also unconscious and severely hypothermic. The 8-year-old was treated for exposure. Read more from Gear Junkie.
South Island makes list of 7 adventure destinations for people over 60
Adventure looks different at sixty than it did at twenty: You’ve earned the wisdom to know what matters and what doesn’t. You can choose experiences that genuinely excite you without the chaos that comes from poor planning or unsuitable destinations.
And VegOut has put the South Island as one of their seven top adventure destinations for people over 60. The list highlights the best destinations for seasoned adventurers that combine natural beauty, manageable logistics, and that spark of discovery without the overwhelm.
VegOut highlights NZ’s towering mountains, glaciers, pristine lakes, and coastlines as well, which are worth the long flight from overseas. Another major drawcard for active older travellers is accessibility. Most adventures are never far from a comfortable bed and a proper meal.
Other destinations on the list are:
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