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

Back pain is one of the most common areas of the body for aches. While it’s tempting to quit all activity and recuperate in bed with a heating pad, some doctors recommend a different approach for finding relief from back pain: hiking.

A growing body of research suggests that going for a hike during your recovery period and beyond can help accelerate the healing process and even reduce the risk of future issues.

A 2024 study published in The Lancet followed more than 700 adults over a three-year period who experienced lower back pain. Half were assigned to a walking program while the other half received no intervention.

The researchers found that individuals in the walking group experienced fewer recurrences of back pain and had longer intervals between back pain episodes compared to those who received no intervention. 

A 2020 analysis of existing research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that regular exercise, which can include activities such as hiking and walking, is an effective way to prevent recurring back pain. A 2019 systematic review published in the journal Scientific Reports also found that physically active people had the lowest risk of back pain.

Read more about the findings at Outside Online.

Wild-born kiwi discovered in Kaweka Forest Park

An untagged and almost fully grown kiwi has been found in the Kaweka Forest Park. Manager Deb Harrington of Save Our Kaweka Kiwi said the kiwi was found in the eastern part of the park off Black Birch Range she and Department of Conservation worker Kahori Nakagawa were out searching for another kiwi, named Carrot, for a routine health check.

It was by chance they chose the route they did to walk back after completing the task, and Nakagawa’s conservation kiwi dog alerted the women to the presence of the bird. “Kahori had a look and sure enough, here is this beautiful little bird hunkering down in a hole,” Harrington said.

She said their examinations revealed the bird did not have a microchip. “It means that it is not one we have raised through our creche, so it was a wild-born kiwi that had survived that first vulnerable year.” Ecstatic with the unusual find, they named the 1720g bird Nagi, which translates to calm. Read the full story from Hawke’s Bay Today.

Ōpōtiki College group airlifted out after slips

An investigation is being launched after a school trip set off to a backcountry hut despite a weather watch, then wound up being helicoptered out on Thursday after rain “compromised” the walking track.

The Year 12 group was from Ōpōtiki College, in the eastern Bay of Plenty, where a deluge flooded rivers, closed roads and highways, and saw people and animals rescued.

Acting principal Andrew Lau told the Rotorua Daily Post that 11 students, a teacher and an adult helper were on the outdoor education trip, based at Pakihi Hut. Lau said the college had planned an overnight stay at the hut, organised by an experienced teacher.

“There was a weather watch notification in place prior to departure, which turned into a weather warning whilst the trip was in progress.” He said the students were always in a safe space and had provisions to stay another night, “as this was identified clearly in the risk assessment”.

“We recognise there are questions we need to answer around this trip and want to mitigate this happening again,” Lau said. Read the full story from the NZ Herald.

Brave the cold in these winter Aussie camping spots

Camplify CEO Justin Hales said Australia’s winter camping scene is “underrated” and cooler temps mean fewer crowds, crisp morning air, and often, clearer night skies for stargazing.

He said cool-weather camping also offers better wildlife sightings, and incredible sunrise and sunset light. Here are Camplify’s top Aussie camping spots this winter.

Bruny Island, Tas – A stunning coastal escape that feels remote but is well set up for travellers. Think wintery beaches, fresh oysters, and quiet starry nights.

Kosciuszko National Park, NSW – Ideal for those looking for alpine scenery and lots of snow. Stay near Jindabyne or camp lakeside for a peaceful escape.

Buchan Caves Reserve, Vic – A unique inland camping destination surrounded by limestone caves and cosy bushland. Great for families and easy day hikes.

Namadgi National Park, ACT – Just south of Canberra, Namadgi offers rugged mountain views, walking trails and excellent wildlife spotting. It’s perfect for a serene getaway.

Wilsons Promontory, Vic – One of Victoria’s most scenic parks year-round. In winter, you’ll get dramatic coastal views without the summer crowds.

Read the full story from Explore.

New walking track formed with help from trust

Walking is not easy for Makarora landowner Gary Charteris. An accident decades ago led to him spending more time in a wheelchair or on his mobility scooter than he does on his feet.

But that has not discouraged him from pushing ahead with a plan to create a walking track through the native forest on his hillside farm around the back of the small Upper Clutha settlement.

The idea came to him 20 years ago, and the signs for the Charteris Track were finally put in place, marking its completion, late last month. While the track is only 1.1km long, it is the last link in a loop taking in the Makarora township on State Highway 6, the camping ground and DOC’s short nature walk in the Mt Aspiring National Park.

The gravel track gently winds its way through huge matai, kahikatea, rimu and beech trees. Trust secretary John Wellington said the track cost the trust about $180,000. “It provides easy access to a beautiful native forest. Read the full story from the Otago Daily Times.