Upper Tama is a 90min return detour from the Tongariro Northern Circuit. Photo: David Ruddock|The summit of Mt Perry is reached in 45min from the Heaphy’s Perry Saddle Hut. Photo: Shaun Barnett/Black Robin Photography|Separation Point is a must-see for walkers in Abel Tasman National Park. Photo: Ray Salisbury/Hot Pixels Photography

Surprising side trips on the Great Walks

Features, Great Walks

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Ray Salisbury

Ray is an author and photographer living in Nelson, and a longtime contributor to Wilderness.

By Ray Salisbury

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September 2025

View more by author

Ray Salisbury

Ray is an author and photographer living in Nelson, and a longtime contributor to Wilderness.

By Ray Salisbury

Tongariro Northern Circuit At the highest point of the crossing, beside Red Crater (1868m), traverse the ridge towards Mt Tongariro (1967m). As the maunga is sacred to the local iwi, trampers are advised not to climb over the summit itself. In good weather, experienced navigators can also explore North Crater and the site of Ketetahi Hut […]

About the author

Ray Salisbury

Ray Salisbury is an author and photographer living in Nelson with his wife and cat. He studied design and photography and has been contributing to Wilderness since 1997. His books include Tableland: The history behind Mt Arthur and EPIC: Adventures across Aotearoa. Ray began tramping with a camera more than 50 years ago and has visited over 500 backcountry huts.