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

Over the summer of 2021, Richard Hartfield completed a two-month journey east-to-west along the length of the Alps, from Slovenia to the Mediterranean coast of France, a solo backpacking, wild camping and mountaineering epic of roughly 1900km (with 125,000m ascent).

Adding even more to the challenge, he climbed around 65 peaks en route, often including via ferrata, scrambling, and even some graded Alpine climbing. 

Hartfield says his initial inspiration “came in 2016 when I watched John Fleetwood’s videos of his own journey on this route. I couldn’t believe how he was able to cover such huge distances each day, whilst including all of the scrambling and mountaineering as well. It seemed like a perfect blend of all of the things that I wanted to do in the mountains: backpacking, running and climbing.”

To add to the impressive feat, he shot a series of engaging films during his trip. Read the full interview and watch his videos at UK Climbing.

Short adventures trending in NZ’s outdoors

Short walks and leisurely activities like sightseeing, photography, and bird and wildlife watching were the most popular outdoor activities for kiwi and international visitors, according to DOC’s annual visitor insights report.

The report analyses and provides insights from booking data and surveys for the 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 period. Many international visitors exploring New Zealand went to beaches, national parks, and hot pools. Geothermal parks, places significant to Māori, and glaciers were also visited, along with local breweries, vineyards, top-end restaurants, and film locations.

According to Cat Wilson, DOC’s Heritage and Visitors Director, “The upwards trend towards shorter walks and day activities coincides with extreme weather events in New Zealand during this period, including flooding and cyclone Gabrielle. The Visitor Insights report reflects reduced visitor numbers over January and February 2023 in affected areas, which we expected.” Read the full report from DOC.

Dog waits by the side of a missing hiker for over 70 days

The body of an elderly hiker missing since August in Colorado’s San Juan mountains was discovered by a hunter who also found the man’s dog alive at the scene, authorities said.

Rich Moore, of Pagosa Springs, southern Colorado, and his Jack Russell terrier, Finney, failed to return from a trip to the mountains on 19 August. The 71-year-old outdoor enthusiast had planned to reach the 3,810-metre summit of Blackhead Peak, about 32km from his hometown.

Finney was found next to Moore’s body and taken to a local veterinary office for evaluation and treatment. The dog has since been reunited with Moore’s family. Read the full story from the Guardian. 

Digger taken from campground, reward for information

A bright orange 2020 Cormidi tracked dumper has been taken from the Gentle Annie Seaside Accommodation and Camping Ground on the West Coast.

The $35,000 digger is used to build tracks and trails near the Gentle Annie complex about 50km north of Westport. Accommodation owner Jesse Paley-Atkins said the theft was particularly disappointing as 5km of tracks had been completed. The digger was an important tool in their construction.

It was first noticed missing last Saturday. It had been sitting off the road in a private property. A truck or large trailer would have been needed to steal the digger. Mr Paley-Atkins said, “It’s very likely someone in the local community knows of its whereabouts. Please do the right thing and help us locate it.”

There is a $2000 reward for information leading to its successful return. A Givealittle page had also been launched under the Gentle Annie Seaside Accommodation and Camping Ground to help assist the camping ground. Read the full story from the Otago Daily Times.

Would you visit an atomic bomb test site? 

In the 1950s, unbeknown to the Australian public, the British government tested three atomic bombs in the Montebello Islands off the Western Australian coast. Now a tour company is offering a chance to visit the islands on a $10,000 NZD cruise for those who dare enter the radioactive space.

But just because you can, should you? The islands are full of signs warning visitors to “avoid causing dust as any particle may be radioactive. Do not handle or remove objects.” And it’s recommended that you stay for less than an hour.

The British tested atomic weapons on Alpha and Trimouille islands in a secret personal agreement between the British and Australian prime ministers. The fallout contaminated most of northern Australia, and radiation was detected as far away as New Zealand. Read the full story from Stuff.