The weka is well known to trampers for its thieving ways. Lesser known is the important conservation role it plays. The feisty weka is well known to trampers as the mischievous rail that snatches shiny objects and food, from car keys to biscuits! But while this backcountry ‘bad-boy’ may be a campsite kleptomaniac, that’s not […]
About the author
Michael Szabo
Michael Szabo is the author of Wild Wellington and Native Birds of Aotearoa, editor of Birds New Zealand magazine, and writes for Greenpeace Aotearoa. He has explored all 14 national parks, the Chatham Islands and the Subantarctic Islands. He has also written for New Scientist, NZ Geographic, Sunday Star Times and The Listener, and is a former editor of Forest & Bird magazine. He has a joint honours degree in communications and cultural studies from the University of Leeds. His favourite food is bagels.
Trampers say decision to remove beloved hut failed to follow process
2026’s guide to outdoor socks
Roaming the red rocks
Foggy Peak, Korowai-Torlesse Tussockland Park
Subscribe!
Each issue of Wilderness celebrates Aotearoa’s great outdoors — written and photographed with care, not algorithms.Subscribe and help keep our wild stories alive.
