Aroha Hyland took her children, Maddy and Brody, for an overnighter at Lake Alta in The Remarkables. “A great after-school mission,” she said.

Nicole Coldicott tramped the Abel Tasman with son Jacob, who went on to injure his foot and required a speedy exit to hospital. “Otherwise it was a wonderful trip and a beautiful spot,” said his father Durand. That’s the spirit!

Sandrine Douarin and Kerry, Jonathan and Daniel Ash tramped the Gillespie Pass Circuit. “Note the Ash family are staunch Aarn converts,” said Jonathan.

Robert Hunt and his dad Gavin hung out at an old rock bivvy on their two-day Cascade Saddle trip. “We both enjoyed exploring the area with its mountains, glaciers, cliffs and, of course, the amazing views of Tititea Mt Aspiring,” said Gavin.

Ben and Alice Tolich had “three stunning days” on the Whanganui River from Whakahoro to Pipiriki. “We were blown away by the beauty of this sacred place,” said Alice. Highlights included getting dunked in the 50/50 rapid.

Along with friends and family, Steve Tribe walked a marathon around the hills of Wellington and down to the south coast to raise funds for Parkinson’s New Zealand.

Lynnette Morris found it hard to smile at Lake Cheerful on day four of the Old Ghost Road. “It was raining when we left the hut and was still raining 24km later when we got to the next hut,” she said.

Jeanne, Adèle and Elise Foisset had a wet start when they left Ada Hut on the St James Walkway.

Mark Cain headed to Auckland’s Whatipu Beach, climbing the Omanawanui Track. “We loved the expansive views and the beautiful black sand,” said Mark’s wife, Sally Ann.

Emma Gregg and dog Coda went on a three-day walk in the Tararua Range. Here’s Coda just off the high point, Mitre. “It’s hard to beat Tararua tops on a good day,” said Emma.