Those of you who can’t bear it when I write editorials are in luck; this will be my last. This is also my last issue as a full time member of staff. Into the breach steps the wonderful Meghan Walker. Fresh from both the foothills of Seattle and the tropical beaches of the Kenyan coast, Meghan is a keen adventurer and is sure to quickly wipe away the cobwebs of her predecessor.

So as I hold back tears of nostalgia, I take great solace from the fact that it’s remarkable I’ve ever worked for a magazine like this in the first place.

Back in the UK – my country of origin with a population of 60 million – there were just two magazines that represented trampers; one of which appeared to be struggling.

Surely, I thought, a country where the population is 12 times fewer than the UK couldn’t possibly sustain a magazine of this nature.

But I was delighted to see that not only did it have one, but a bloody good one (well, I might need a reference one day).

Having worked here for two-and-a-half years I can see why. There’s a deep rooted cultural desire for Kiwis to get outdoors and explore their own country. Readers want to see new trails and natural features they didn’t even know existed.

Many readers have such a passion that they want to share their discoveries publicly. They quickly become contributors themselves, sharing a vast array of knowledge. It’s a valuable network which leads to what I believe is an invaluable product.

So take a look through this issue, find a new place to visit, harness some inspiration, and revel in the fact that you’re part of a community of people who love the best that life has to offer.

Happy tramping!