A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world.

After receiving some unfortunate health news, Press reporter Martin van Beynen planned an adventure that would test his tramping skills. What could go wrong? 

“Three days into my big walk and after numerous self-inflicted setbacks, the reality suddenly dawned on me. I actually knew nothing about tramping,” he says. 

Lasting just eight days on the trail, Van Beynen offers several tramping tips on how not to walk the TA. They include burying your pride, being realistic about your fitness, his thoughts on what food and gear to take and more. 

He also recounts tales of summiting Harper Pass in just his underpants and a weather forecast gone wrong. Read the full story from The Press.

Alone Australia season two drops 10 Aussies in NZ 

Last month the second season of Alone Australia premiered with 10 Aussies being dropped in Fiordland to survive as long as possible. 

For those unfamiliar with the show, contestants pack 10 survival items of their choice, along with dozens of kilos of camera equipment to document their experiences. They have a satellite phone for emergency calls and to officially “tap out” when they’ve had enough.

The last person standing takes home an AUD $250,000 (NZD $272,000) prize. Contestants must forage for food, fish and hunt with a bow and arrow for wild boar, possum, red deer and tahr. 

The Aussies are already struggling in their first few days on Te Waipounamu with the cold, sandflies and wet conditions. Read more about the show from ABC News and watch online at TVNZ. 

Indigenous tourism on the rise across the globe

The New York Times is reporting that around the globe, including here in New Zealand, travellers are looking to get beyond superficial interactions with indigenous cultures for more in-depth and immersive experiences.

“We’re seeing a shift from the checkbox mentality to a hunger for deep, transformative experiences,” says Sarah Handley from Tourism New Zealand. “It’s not just about witnessing a haka; it’s about understanding the meaning and stories behind it.”

“Globally, there has been a push to recognize Indigenous rights and attempts are increasingly being made to right past wrongs,” said Julia Albrecht, an associate professor in the Department of Tourism at New Zealand’s University of Otago.

“In New Zealand,” Dr Albrecht noted, “the last two governments have greatly supported all things Māori, not only in narrative but also in policy.” Last year Tourism Industry Aotearoa released its Tourism 2050 strategy, which calls for “integrating kaupapa Māori and matauranga Māori into the tourism industry.”

Famous Italian hiking trail to be one-way only, Venice to charge tourist fee

Hiking paths along Cinque Terre, one of Italy’s most picturesque stretches of coastline, are to be made one-way starting this week in an attempt to deal with overcrowding during next week’s holiday season. Adding to the changes, Venice will become the first city in the world to introduce an entrance fee for tourists.

The measure has been introduced as Italy braces for huge numbers of tourists, many of whom have the Cinque Terre on their bucket lists. Hikers will have to walk from Monterosso and head east towards Vernazza. There will be checkpoints manned by police and national park officials.

Venice will charge an entrance fee from April 25 to May 5. It will then apply every weekend until mid-July. The €5 (NZ$9) fee will be levied on tourists who visit the city for the day only. Visitors who stay in a hotel for at least one night will be exempt. Read the full story from Stuff.