Complete the crossword and rearrange the letters in the blue squares to spell out the hidden solution. Send your answer, name and address, by November 20, 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 Back Country Cuisine food packs worth $50.

Across
1. Hut _____ – volunteers who maintain DOC huts (7)
5. Triangular area where river divides before entering sea (5)
8. _____ bridge – way to make wilderness crossing (5)
9. Description of rocks solidified from lava or magma (7)
10. Beneath the surface of water (9)
11. Droop like loose tent ropes, eg (3)
12. Lake _____ – on Routeburn Track (6)
14. Memorable sayings – like ‘head for the hills’, eg (6)
17. Introduced pest that has major impact on NZ wildlife (3)
19. Avalanche of stones and boulders down hill (9)
22. Way to enjoy flying-fox forest adventure (3-4)
23. Southern _____ whale – marine mammal sometimes seen off the coast of NZ (5)
24. Points where leaves grow on plant stems (5)
25. With very sharp incline (7)

Down
1. Insects that have become pests in parts of NZ bush (5)
2. _____ Mountain Scenic Reserve – near Rotorua (7)
3. Haast’s _____ – extinct bird of prey that once lived in NZ wilderness (5)
4. Unfortunate consequence of encounters with 1 Down, maybe? (6)
5. This describes landscape stripped of trees and vegetation (7)
6. With outdoor gear, comfort and practicality are more important than _____ (5)
7. Allocates hut tidy-up tasks, eg (7)
12. Line where sky and earth appear to meet (7)
13. Insects with elongated body often found under decomposing leaves etc (7)
15. Ascending hillside (5,2)
16. Means of reaching place – could be easy or difficult (6)
18. Temperature of glacial lake is not this! (5)
20. Rise and strong forward movement of waves or water (5)
21. Registration in outdoor adventure race, eg (5)

Hidden Solution: Tramping pioneer! (11)
December’s hidden solution: Cave weta

Back Country Cuisine
From tasty meals to snacks and everything in between, to keep your energy levels up and your adventures wild. Each prize pack contains two dinners, two breakfasts, a dessert and two smoothies. www.backcountrycuisine.co.nz