Complete the crossword and rearrange the letters in the blue squares to spell out the hidden solution. Send your answer, name and address, by April 22, to: wildernessword@lifestylepublishing.co.nz, or WildernessWord, PO Box 251566, Pakuranga, Auckland 2140. All correct entries go in the draw to win one of five Cactus Outdoor beanie and sock prize packages worth $70.

Across
1. _____ Outdoor – NZ adventure clothing and equipment company (7)
5. Try to reach hut before daylight does this (5)
8. How muscles are after prolonged strenuous outdoor activity (5)
9. Register for bushcraft skills course, eg (5,2)
10. Description of place that is physically remote (8)
12. Large bird that once roamed NZ wilderness (3)
14. Limestone formations produced by water erosion (6)
16. Construction method used for some tramping huts (1-5)
18. What tramping plates and mugs used to be made of (3)
19. Most precipitous or almost vertical (8)
22. Thread tramping boot laces through these (7)
24. Amber _____ – large endangered NZ gastropod (5)
25. Plant fibre traditionally used for making strong rope (5)
26. Antarctic wilderness region (4,3)

Down
1. NZ’s only native land mammals (4)
2. Woody-stemmed climbing plants seen in bush (5)
3. What gently uneven terrain does (9)
4. Tops of hills (6)
5. Douglas ___ – variety of wilding pine that is invasive plant in NZ (3)
6. Difficult predicament when facing unexpected fork in track (7)
7. This describes parched landscape that is hard and dry (3-5)
11. Destroys landscape and environment by clearing trees (9)
13. Moves in quick flighty way – like startled wild animal (8)
15. Managers and protectors of reserves (7)
17. Hot spring discharging boiling water and steam into air (6)
20. Marine mammals seen around NZ coastline (5)
21. ____ Island – sanctuary that is part of Stewart Island/Rakiura (4)
23. Tuna is Maori word for this freshwater creature (3)

Hidden solution
Wilderness safety essential (8,7)

March’s hidden solution
Banded rail

Cactus Outdoor Merino Beanie and Sock
The Cactus Outdoor prize pack includes a fitted merino beanie thin enough to sit comfortably under helmets whilst still being nice and warm, and the Cactus Sock – a tough merino blend to keep your feet warm and comfortable. Find out more at www.cactusoutdoor.co.nz