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

James Norbury and Alex Felstead are on an epic quest to hike 500 kilometres on the North Island. They’re doing it to recreate Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee’s journey in J.R.R Tolkien’s fantasy novel series, The Lord of the Rings. And yes, they’re dressed up like Hobbits. And yes, they have a ring.

Norbury and Felstead are currently two weeks into their journey to take their ring from the Hobbiton film set in Matamata all the way to Mount Ngāuruhoe—aka Mount Doom. In the films, Frodo and Sam set off from their home in the Shire and take a dangerous quest to Mordor and, specifically, Mount Doomto destroy the evil ring and save Middle Earth.

Like Frodo and Sam, the two modern-day trekkers are making the journey on foot and by canoe. So far, Norbury and Felstead have run into some challenges, including an electric fence, rough rapids, and some tough trails they had to bushwhack their way through. Visit Outdoors to watch videos of two friends recreating Frodo’s quest. 

DOC urges dog owners to act after nine kiwi killed

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is investigating after nine kiwi were found dead in the Wharengaere area of Purerua, eastern Northland – six since mid-February. Most show signs of trauma consistent with dog attacks.

“These recent kiwi deaths are devastating, and we need everyone to play their part in protecting our native wildlife,” says Bronwyn BauerHunt, DOC Operations Manager for the Bay of Islands.

The first dead kiwi was reported to DOC on 29 January 2025, followed by two more on 11 February. Between 12 February and 9 March, another six kiwi were found dead. All were found on private land. Some of the carcasses were badly decomposed, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of death, but several were fresh enough to be tested for canine DNA.

These latest deaths add to a concerning trend. Dogs are the leading cause of kiwi deaths, and in past incidents, they have been responsible for multiple kiwi fatalities across Northland, leading to prosecutions.

“We urge all dog owners in kiwi zones to be responsible. Keep your dogs under control at all times, especially at night. If you live in or near kiwi habitat, the safest option is to keep your dog contained or inside when not supervised,” says Bronwyn. Read the full press release from DOC.

In more positive news, Stuff is reporting wild kiwi populations in Rodney are thriving after years of work being done by community-led conservation groups to reduce pest populations, educate citizens, and relocate kiwis.

Kiwi populations are expanding at Mataia and some kiwi have ventured beyond Tāwharanui’s predator-proof fence and successfully established themselves in new areas.

The Forest Bridge Trust operations manager, Matu Booth, highlighted the importance of proper funding. “The catalyst for us was in 2020 when the Jobs for Nature programme provided $1.185 billion of funding for trapping network covering 54,000 hectares and create educational programmes for the community.”

Call for trampers to help boost outdoor safety

NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is calling on hikers and trampers around the motu to help other walkers this autumn by sharing a review on Plan My Walk.

MSC has set the ambitious goal of reaching 10,000 Plan My Walk reviews by the end of the tramping season and has launched a competition to promote the challenge.

User reviews offer a personal account of a track, hut or campsite, including useful tips and recommendations. These real-life experiences provide significant value for others who are researching or planning a trip, and contribute to improved outdoor safety.

Everyone sharing their experiences on Plan My Walk until the end of April 2025 will automatically enter the draw to win one of five $500 vouchers for new gear from their favourite NZ outdoor store. 

There are now more than 8,500 reviews on Plan My Walk, with a spike in the past two months since the competition launched. MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley is delighted with the response.

The challenges facing the outdoor industry

After the pandemic boom in the outdoor industry, a litany of outdoor gear brands have announced revenue shortfalls, downsized their staff, or shuttered altogether. The turmoil has generated local and national headlines. It’s also forced many workers, from entry-level employees to business owners, to analyse the micro and macroeconomic forces that are putting financial pressure on businesses. 

Outside Online spoke to a dozen sources to try and understand the roots of the industry’s woes. These sources cited a laundry list of hurdles that the industry faces, from climate change and natural disasters, to supply-chain aftershocks that are still rippling outward from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Eight of Europe’s best beginner hikes

Heading overseas for the European summer? If yes, take a look at this list from National Geographic of eight easy beginner trails through Europe’s most impressive landscapes.

The trails included on the list are:

-Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Italy (9km)

-Sentiero Azzurro, Italy (13km)

-The Chemin de Puy, France (64km)

-Hadrian’s Wall, England (34km)

-Stockholm Archipelago Trail, Sweden (10km)

-Heidschnuckenweg, Germany (48km)

-Lechweg, Austria (124km)

-Hallin Fell, England (1.6km)