Walk through the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve’s ‘dark core’ on this remote crossing dotted with numerous swimming holes. This isolated crossing can be done in either direction. From the Aorangi Crossing car park on the Cape Palliser side, the track starts on the true left of Mangatoetoe Stream. It quickly peters out but reappears on […]
About the author
Justin Sprecher
Wilderness newsletter editor and contributor Justin Sprecher is a tramper, thru-hiker and trail runner with a passion for wild backcountry. He has been writing and photographing for outdoor publications for more than a decade and holds a degree in film studies and communications from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. His writing has featured in publications in New Zealand and North America and his films have screened at festivals worldwide.
The 2026 Wilderness Outdoor Photographer of the Year competition
A tale of adventure and tragedy
Mt Peel, Kahurangi National Park
A lofty location for Brass Monkey
Get lost and suffer
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