Complete the crossword and rearrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell out the hidden solution. Send your answer, name and address by October 21 to: wildernessword@lifestylepublishing.co.nz.  All correct entries go in the draw to win one of five Nikwax packages worth $61.

Across

1. _____ Forest Park – situated between Lake Taupo and Te Kuiti (7)

5. Struggles for breath after strenuous activity (5)

8. Welcome hot drink after tramp in rain! (5)

9. Introduced plants and trees that are not native (7)

10. Bright colour used for safety outdoors (3)

11. Large floating masses in Antarctic sea (8)

13. NZ _____ – bird of prey seen mainly in South Island high country (6)

15. _____ River – NZ’s fourth-largest river, located in Otago (6)

18. Expanses of land with particular physical features (8)

20. Pass between mountain peaks (3)

22. Fish that is widespread throughout NZ waters (7)

23. Area of cell phone coverage – not found in true wilderness (5)

24. _____ Sound in Fiordland National Park (5)

25. New species of this fish was found near Kermadec Islands in 2013 (7)

Down

1. Boat that can be deflated and carried in backpack (8)

2. Turbulent fast-flowing part of river (5)

3. Lagoon on west coast of South Island that is wetland for herons and other birds (7)

4. Sharp narrow ridges in rugged mountains (6)

5. Small group of trees (5)

6. Coarse gravel found on beaches and riverbeds (7)

7. ____ out – do recce of best place to pitch tent, eg (4)

12. Having most elevations and inclines (8)

14. Worms with suckers found in weedy streams (7)

16. Relating to southern hemisphere (7)

17. Main _____ – NZ’s Southern Alps (6)

19. Noisy and disorderly – this sort of behaviour is to be avoided in tramping huts! (5)

20. Determination to give challenges a go (3-2)

21. ____ out – made food rations last longer (4)

Hidden Solution: North Island top spot (9)
September’s hidden solution: Oystercatcher

Download the October 2016 crossword.