Nine-year-old James de Ville had his first alpine experience on Mt Ruapehu, safely roped to dad Andrew.

Martin Grafetsberger spent a night near Saddle Cone on the northern slopes of Mt Ruapehu. “Saddle Cone doesn’t get much attention,” said Martin. “From a geological standpoint, it’s an important feature of Tama Saddle between Ruapheu and Ngāuruhoe. Breakfast was a Real Meals Boysenberry Yoghurt and an Apples and Creamed Rice. It was a good brekkie!”

Nathan May, Sarah Bauer, Michele Dean and Mari Manger enjoyed a fun day running the Paparoa Track. They even found time to visit Croesus Knob.

Sacha Mallard and Chantelle Pinch had a girls’ adventure weekend in Mt Aspiring National Park.

Devika Bigalow climbed Woolshed Hill in Arthur’s Pass National Park for “coffee with a view”.

John Collie and daughter Zena Collie-Mazur felt on top of the world on day two of the Mt Somers circuit.

Sarah Elgoran enjoyed beautiful weather on the Heaphy Track. “What a track! We were the first to complete a through trip from east to west with the new bridge in place,” Sarah said.

Andy Warden took his two children, Harry and Xanthe, to the Kaimanawa Range. “We took Wilderness’s advice and tackled the Waipakihi Loop,” said Andy. “We got some great views of Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe before a thunderstorm rolled through. Thanks for the great trip recommendation – I never would’ve known this great tramp existed otherwise!”

Katie Johnstone enjoyed the fine weather on her walk up Mt Fyffe.

Bronwyn Watts and Grahame and Claudia Struthers visited Kirkenes in Norway where they did a short hike over the hills toward the Russian border.