Tapuae-o-Uenuku, Inland Kaikoura Range

Canterbury Hikes

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Mark Watson

Mark is Wilderness’s gear editor and a dedicated storyteller, documenting his adventures in both words and photos.

By Mark Watson

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January/February 2026

View more by author

Mark Watson

Mark is Wilderness’s gear editor and a dedicated storyteller, documenting his adventures in both words and photos.

By Mark Watson

New Zealand’s highest mountain north of the Aoraki Mount Cook region is also one of the 10 ultra-prominent peaks of Aotearoa, making this classic climb a priority for anyone’s list. Powerful geological forces have shaped the spectacular mountain outliers of the Inland and Seaward Kaikōura ranges. They stand tall, separated from the more closely aligned […]

About the author

Mark Watson

Wilderness gear editor Mark Watson divides his workdays between graphic design, writing and photography. His passion for tramping, climbing, cycling and storytelling has taken him all over Aotearoa and the world in search of great trails, perfect moves and epic light. He has published four books and his photographs have featured in numerous publications. Especially motivated by long distance travel, he has tramped Te Araroa and cycled from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.