In the December 2020 issue…

Features

34 A quest for grandeur
Finding a new perspective high above the Routeburn Track

38 Cooking up a ridgeline feast
Climbing over the highest point on the Te Araroa Trail is a magic moment

GREAT RIDES
A special feature on New Zealand’s 22 cycle trails

42 Slow journeys
Find out what makes riding a cycle trial such a special adventure

46 Fantastic rides that bring great memories
Looking back on past rides, what stands out?

48 From boots to bikes
A tramping book author says cycle trails are the future

50 Happy family bike riding
How to ensure the whole family enjoys a cycle trail adventure

52 The 22 Great Rides
Choose your ride

57 Picking a bike for your cycle trail adventure
What to look for when choosing a bike

58 Gear to improve your ride
Beyond a bike, here’s what else you need for a successful ride?

60 Pedal or power?
The pros and cons of E-bikes and push bikes

61 Cycle trail Gear Guide

Waypoints and Trips

20 See more… dragonflies
Five places to spot native dragonflies

22 The best pā sites in New Zealand
Ten spectacularly located pā

24 Up with the sun
Sunrise Hut, Ruahine Forest Park

26 A spectacular perch
Waimakariri Falls Hut, Arthur’s Pass National Park

28 Overnight on the Paparoa Range
Buckland Peaks, Paparoa National Park

30 From Redwoods to Blue Range
Blue Range Hut, Tararua Forest Park

31 Something for everyone
Cascade Hut, Kaimanawa Forest Park

Skills

66 A beginner’s guide to bush tea
The only thing better than a hot cup of tea in the wilderness is a hot cup of bush tea

67 Wild cuisine
Veggie fried noodles

56 Keeping clean in the outdoors
Staying clean can prevent health issues and prolong the life of your gear

Gear

68 Christmas Gift Guide
The outdoor lover’s guide to the perfect Christmas gif

71 All I want for Christmas
Outdoor retail staff share their Christmas wish lists

72 Wild reviews
Three powerful lightweight stoves

74 Broken in
Wilderness staff and gear reviewers test their kit for you

75 What’s in my pack
Te Araroa Trail walker Michelle Green shares what she packs for a thru-hike

76 Gear guide
2020’s best outdoor sandals

Regulars

4 Editorial

6 Pigeon post
Letters to the editor

8 Last weekend
What did you get up to last weekend?

10 Walkshorts
News from the wild

13 Gear crisis
Why your favourite tramping gear might not be available this Christmas

14 Wild people
Meet the teenager who tackled a Great Walk on a unicycle

16 Wild comment
Is Pouakai Tarn an asset or a liability?

18 Wild conservation
Great spotted kiwi numbers are rising on the Paparoa Track

82 Track Chat
Author Ray Salisbury finds family history deep in Kahurangi National Park