A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world.

Enjoying the outdoors may seem like the ultimate free activity, but not everyone can take part. That is hopefully about to change, with the launch of new Outdoor Accessibility Design Guidelines.

The guidelines provide clear, practical advice for anyone involved in creating, maintaining, or advocating for accessible outdoor spaces. They are a first for New Zealand and focus on improving access to places like beaches, lakes, parks, and trails, with an emphasis on making outdoor recreation more inclusive.

Recreation Aotearoa’s chief executive Sarah Murray said designing tracks and trails to be widely accessible should happen in the planning stage, but there are easy changes that can be made to existing facilities.

“[An] example is cutting back overhanging vegetation along trails. This increases the trail width and can make a huge difference for people who are blind or have low vision, people in wheelchairs, and people with prams.”

Read the full article from RNZ.

Mud and lack of maintenance behind walk’s ‘decline’

The 32km Rakiura Track is one of the shortest of the Great Walks but the island’s community board chairman Aaron Connor said the track condition was a common complaint from annual Rakiura Challenge competitors.

“When it was designated [a Great Walk] it was a good track and has had very little maintenance ever since. I would like to see it brought back to the standard it was when it was first opened (32 years ago).”

Mr Connor said with more than 4000 people using the track annually, he would like to see the money paid to DOC for hut fees returned back to the region as well as additional funds allocated from the international visitor levy. He believed the poor track condition was not helping the track’s reputation or brand.

DOC statutory manager Donna Shepard said, “Our website prepares trampers for the deep muddy sections and changeable weather, which makes this track different from the other Great Walk experiences we offer.”

In the past two years, DOC has hardened some of the track’s middle section and completed some general maintenance. Read the full story from the Otago Daily Times.

Easter visitors warned not to underestimate Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Walkers are being warned not to misjudge the difficulty of the Tongariro Crossing as thousands of people are anticipated to take on the day hike over Easter.

Stunning views of Mount Ngāuruhoe and the luminous Emerald Lakes have made it an unmissable walk for many visitors to New Zealand, and anyone keen to snap an Instagram pic. For many walkers, it’s their last chance to complete the hike before the wintry conditions make it overly harsh.

Despite the glossy and untroubled scenes popping up on social media, the day hike is notoriously underestimated by walkers.

Turangi LandSAR chairman Steve Signal said because Easter is later this year, the chances of walkers getting caught out by fading light will be higher. “You can get five seasons in a day on that crossing, so you need to pack enough warm clothes,” Signal said.

New Zealand Mountain Safety Council CEO Mike Daisley said the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has had more search and rescues than any other track in New Zealand. Read the full story from NZ Herald.

Miniature dachshund spotted alive 16 months after being lost in wilderness

16 months after a miniature dachshund disappeared, Valerie has been spotted alive on Kangaroo Island in South Australia, to the surprise of wildlife experts.

Valerie went missing in 2023 while on holiday with her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock. Though they searched the island for a week with local help, she wasn’t seen again recently.

The Kangala Wildlife Rescue confirmed her survival through video evidence and set traps with cameras to try to catch her. On their Facebook page, the organisation wrote: “Based on first-hand accounts and video evidence we now know that Valerie is alive. She runs at the first sign of humans or vehicles and despite the best efforts of dedicated Island locals, Valerie has been impossible to catch.”

Experts are amazed by the dog’s survival, speculating that she may have eaten roadkill, dam water, or possibly received help from locals. Read the full story from the Independent. 

Price to hike Mount Fuji climbs to almost $50

Once free to hike, the landmark has been put under new rules ahead of the 2025 climbing season (July to September) which state anyone climbing must pay ¥4000 (NZ$46) for a permit. That’s up from ¥2000 (NZ$23) last year.

People must also book a slot online as the mountain is restricted to 4000 visitors per day. “By strongly promoting comprehensive safety measures for climbing Mount Fuji, we will ensure that Mount Fuji, a treasure of the world, is passed on to future generations,” said Koutaro Nagasaki, governor of Yamanashi Prefecture, last year.

In other efforts to curb over tourism leaders in Fujikawaguchiko, a town that offers some of the best views of the mountain’s perfect cone, erected a large black screen in a parking lot to deter tourists from overcrowding the site. The tourists apparently struck back by cutting holes in the screen at eye level. Read the full story from Stuff.