Complete the crossword and rearrange the letters in the blue squares to spell out the hidden solution. Send your answer, name and address, by October 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 pairs of Thorlos Outdoor Athlete socks.

Across
1. _____ Bay – bay at end of Hollyford Track (7)
5. Marine birds with forked tails seen on NZ coasts (5)
8. Proportion of dried fruit to nuts in scroggin, eg (5)
9. _____ River – tributary of Takaka River in Tasman Region (7)
10. Optical illusion caused by atmospheric refraction in hot terrain (6)
11. Natural depression in land surface often with lake at bottom of it (5)
13. Ingredient in trampers’ scroggin (6)
14. Brass _____ Bivouac – two-bunk hut in Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve (6)
17. This definitely does not describe wilderness (5)
19. Person who prefers to stay alone in wilderness permanently? (6)
21. Moved about stealthily like wild animal in search of prey (7)
23. Long feather of bird (5)
24. Crack of dawn when keen outdoor enthusiasts start their day (3-2)
25. How to carry gear for short tramp of a few hours (7)

Down
1. Large NZ coniferous tree of genus Prumnopitys (4)
2. Name of two NZ lakes – one in Bay of Plenty, one in Tasman Region (7)
3. Solitude of remote areas (9)
4. Climbs up mountain (6)
5. Hot drink made with billy (3)
6. Tripping hazards on track (5)
7. Small clumps of trees and bushes (8)
11. Book about life and achievements of outdoor legend like Edmund Hillary, eg (9)
12. Overcomes adversity in wilderness, maybe (8)
15. _____ Track – day walk in Kahurangi National Park (7)
16. This describes area with no sunlight (6)
18. _____ kiwi – one of NZ’s most common kiwi species (5)
20. Narrow piece of land like isthmus (4)
22. Edge of crater (3)

Hidden solution: One way to keep your feet dry! (10)
September’s hidden solution: Central Plateau

Thorlos Outdoor Athlete $39.99
The Outdoor Athlete features a dirt shield to keep trail debris out, strategic  support, impact protection, moisture wicking and flow-through venting. Find out more at www.thorlos.co.nz