Complete the crossword and rearrange the letters in the blue squares to spell out the hidden solution. Send your answer, name and address, by June 18, 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 prize packs worth $50.

Across
1. _____ Canyon – scenic NZ gorge just north of Queenstown (8)
6. Streak of mineral in rock (4)
8. _____ Point – located in Southland and regarded as start of West Coast region (6)
9. At or towards back of boat (6)
10. This describes vegetation growing in abundance (4)
11. Undertaking challenging wilderness activity (8)
12. Type of wildlife enthusiast (6)
14. Died down – like storm, eg (6)
16. Introduced hand-reared animals back into natural habitat (8)
18. One way to store climbing rope (4)
20. Common name for NZ tea tree (6)
21. Scouts’ awards for tramping, camping, bushcraft etc (6)
22. Sound of stone dropped into lake (4)
23. Maori name for NZ falcon (8)

Down
2. _____ Island – in Hauraki Gulf north-east of Auckland (5)
3. Land dried out with heat and lack of rain is this (7)
4. When tramper expects to reach hut (1,1,1)
5. _____ ___ rescue – source of help in wilderness emergency (6,3)
6. Full of energy – how joy of wilderness makes you feel! (5)
7. This describes wilderness place where cell phone still works (2,5)
11. Retraces steps on tramp due to very bad weather, eg (5,4)
13. Steep part of glacier resembling frozen cascade of water (7)
15. Idea of idyllic state of utopia in harmony with nature (7)
17. Provide with necessary gear (5)
19. _____ River – small NZ river flowing into Charles Sound in Fiordland (5)
21. Sand ___ – ridge in sea that is often exposed at low tide (3)

Hidden solution: Necessity for winter mountain adventure (4,6)
May’s hidden solution: Bird watching

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