A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world.
It could be one of the most unique picnics on the planet. In Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland region, you can rent a backpack from a local dairy filled with everything you need for a mobile, al fresco fondue feast — a pouch of classic or truffle cheese, bread, spices, plates, forks, a pot, and a warmer.
And where do you take this fondue pack? To large, wooden fondue pots (called caquelons) strategically placed throughout the region to offer panoramic views of the mountains and the Saanen Valley below.
What is it like to rent a ‘fondue backpack’ in the Swiss Alps and hike to a giant fondue pot? Writer Sarah Kuta writes a full review of the experience for The NZ Herald.
Listen to Walk 1200km on Nine to Noon!
Our Walk1200km challenge was featured on Nine to Noon last week. It’s become the country’s largest walking network – and it took a top prize at the Golden Foot Awards this year.
Editor Alistair Hall joins Kathryn Ryan to explain how it all works, along with two people for whom the challenge has meant so much more than just putting their best foot forward.
The challenge was born out of Covid as a way to encourage people with time on their hands – and distance to keep – into the outdoors, with the aim of logging 100 kilometres each month.
Also joining Alistair are walkers Donna Broome in Timaru and Jade Bell in Selwyn. Give the interview a listen!
The North Face opens applications for the 2025 ‘The North Face Adventure Grant’
For over a decade, The North Face has been working with inspiring applicants of the Adventure Grant to help turn their expedition dreams into a reality. Every year, the grant is awarded to an explorer or team of explorers from Australia or New Zealand who are pushing exploration forward through unique pursuits.
The grant is designed to assist adventurers of all levels. The North Face is seeking applicants from a wide range of areas such as rock climbing, trekking, alpine climbing, extreme endurance pursuits, skiing, snowboarding, kayaking and more. Learn more about the grant.
Australia ranked fifth-best hiking destination in world, NZ left out of the top 10
Australia is home to some jaw-dropping hikes. From coastal walks to multi-day treks through ancient rainforests and vast red deserts. But is it better than NZ?
New research by Titan Travel has revealed the world’s ten most incredible hiking destinations. It’s not a big surprise that the USA with its vast number of hiking trails made the top of the list.
But what might as a shock NZ’s exclusion from the list. Especially when you see the Netherlands ranking as number 10…🤔 Read the full story from TimeOut and see if you agree with the rankings below.
The ten best hiking destinations in the world:
DOC asking for donations to fund work
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is asking for private and philanthropic donations to fund its work. The cash-strapped agency announced a partnership with the NZ Nature Fund, which would raise funds and match donors to high-priority conservation projects, selected and delivered by DOC.
At the moment, donors could contribute to three causes: saving the Alborn skink, limestone ecosystems or tara iti/New Zealand fairy tern, with an initial goal of raising $4.6 million across the three causes.
The department has long struggled with a lack of funding. In March, its director-general Penny Nelson told members of Parliament during its annual review it was being spread too thin, and its work was being curtailed. The agency did not escape the government’s sweeping cost-cutting directive, and it was asked to find savings of 6.5 percent and cuts to 124 jobs.
Conservation minister Tama Potaka said in a statement: “As seen around the world, conservation efforts are facing significant financial and environmental challenges.” Read the full story from RNZ.
In similar news, Predator Free Southland has been halted due to lack of funds.
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