A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world.
A coroner investigating the case of tramper Stephanie Simpson has been unable to unravel the mystery of her 2020 death.
The 32-year-old had placed her tramping boots neatly next to each other on the side of a creek in the Pyke River Gorge, near Wānaka. Several days later her body was found 800m downstream.
Coroner Alexander Ho, police and the authors of a Mountain Safety Council (MSC) report thought it most likely she slipped or tripped into the water and drowned a coroner’s report released publicly on Thursday says. However, there was insufficient evidence to determine the sequence of events, the coroner found.
Simpson was wearing socks when she was found, suggesting it was more likely she fell into the water at or near where her boots were placed, the coroner said. Read the full story at Stuff.
Today, June 21, is Naked Hiking Day
The solstice has been observed for centuries in a variety of ways. However, Naked Hiking Day is a relatively new event. Though – should you be brave enough to approach one – advocates of nude hiking will tell you that it’s been practised since the dawn of time.
The date, which falls on the northern hemisphere’s longest day (one presumes for maximum tanning opportunity), is marked by hikers donning their boots, packs and not much else before heading to the hills.
The hashtags #hikenakedday and #hikenaked have had thousands of submissions from Australia, Scotland, Switzerland even a couple of brave hikers in New Zealand.
Fortunately, most trail naturists restrict themselves to remote parts of tracks. Read NZ Herald’s 2019 story on the history of Naked Hiking Day.
DOC releases Great Walks booking dates after tech glitches
Most Great Walks will open for bookings in July following months of technical glitches and false starts. Tourism companies said they were relieved to have the new Great Walk booking dates after multiple delays.
The new Great Walks opening dates are:
- Tuesday, 11 July 2023, 9.30am – Tongariro Northern Circuit
- Wednesday, 12 July 2023, 9.30am – Rakiura Track
- Thursday, 13 July 2023, 9.30am – Paparoa Track
- Tuesday, 18 July 2023, 9.30am – Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Wednesday, 19 July 2023, 9.30am – Whanganui Journey
- Thursday, 20 July 2023, 9.30am – Kepler Track
- Tuesday, 25 July 2023, 9.30am – Routeburn Track
- Wednesday, 26 July 2023, 9.30am – Heaphy Track
DOC said due to storm damage, the Heaphy Track can be booked from either end up until 19 October. The full track is expected to open later this year. DOC has also released new booking dates for huts, lodges and campsites.
They are:
- Thursday, 27 July 2023, 9.30am – Momorangi Bay Campground
- Tuesday, 1 August 2023, 9.30am – South Island huts, campsites and lodges*
- Wednesday, 2 August 2023, 9.30am – North Island huts, campsites and lodges
- Thursday, 3 August 2023, 9.30am – Tōtaranui Campground
Fox Glacier residents optimistic about impact of proposed cycle and walking trails on business
A ghost town – that’s what Fox Glacier residents feared their town would become after a major landslide destroyed the road to the glacier in 2019.
The government has helped out with close to $4 million from the International Visitor Tourism and Conservation Levy. The money’s been used to build walking and cycling trails up the south side of the glacier, invest in different attractions like a new trail from the township to Lake Matheson, as well as a new day walk to Lake Gault.
Fox Glacier Guiding chief executive Rob Jewell has been feeling optimistic. “The international visitor levy – that has been a game changer – and the Jobs for Nature programme. I think that collaboration between DOC, the local community, (Development West Coast) and, of course, central government has been really, really beneficial.” Read RNZ’s full story.
Tramping in winter: A quick guide on what to bring and what to look out for
As the temperature plunges and the heat pumps kick into action around the country, the arrival of winter doesn’t stop hardy trampers from experiencing the best of Aotearoa’s outdoors.
However, with the colder months comes extra preparation and precautions. Packing extra gear, picking a sensible trip for the conditions and having flexible plans for a changing weather forecast are some of the tips on Stuff’s winter tramping guide.
