Wilderness

Wilderness has been a part of Lifestyle Publishing since October 1991. Founded by David Hall, who continues to serve as the magazine's publisher, Wilderness has become a staple for outdoor enthusiasts. Each edition of Wilderness highlights the diverse experiences of the New Zealand outdoors. From its inaugural issue, the magazine resonated with both its audience and advertisers, with many of them sticking around since the beginning. The journey has been remarkable, as activities like tramping, hiking, and exploring New Zealand's natural beauty have surged in popularity, now ranking as the third most loved pastime in the country. Over time, Wilderness has also gained more recognition and respect among its readers and the outdoor industry.

National, Consumer

English

Magazine

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Global

#708117

New Zealand

#5520

Sports/Climbing

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Articles

Hooker Valley suspension bridge closed

2 days ago | wildernessmag.co.nz | Alistair Hall

The Department of Conservation has decided to proactively close the pedestrian suspension bridge on the Hooker Valley Track to the public from today. This decision has been made due to the environmental conditions surrounding the bridge. Though the bridge is currently structurally sound, it requires daily monitoring and frequent closures to ensure public safety.
Social media and apps blamed for record rise in rescue callouts

1 week ago | wildernessmag.co.nz | Justin Sprecher

A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world. For the first time, mountain rescue teams in England and Wales were called out every day of the year in 2024. Callouts in Scotland topped 1,000 for the first time. Rescues jumped by 24% between 2019 and 2024, according to data from Mountain Rescue England and Wales analysed by Ordnance Survey and shared exclusively with the Guardian.
Fabulous photos – and the Five Passes - Wilderness Magazine

2 weeks ago | wildernessmag.co.nz | Alistair Hall

Who is the 2025 Wilderness Outdoor Photographer of the Year? No spoilers here: turn to page 28 to find out. We received a whopping 2600 entries this year. Thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to the winners. On page 34 Ray Salisbury writes about the classic Five Passes route. Every time I’m asked if I’ve done this trip, I cringe. A decade ago, I flew over from Australia with my partner to tackle it, but due to a series of stuff-ups, we had to turn back on the third day.
Investigating Marlborough's 14-year-long public access dispute

2 weeks ago | wildernessmag.co.nz | Justin Sprecher

A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world. Fourteen years, two landowners, three agencies, hundreds of emails – and still free public access to a Marlborough conservation area remains closed off. It started with a trespass complaint way back in 2011. Police called for action, as they worried someone would get hurt. In 2014, local DOC staff declared they would make it a priority.
Ernie, A Te Araroa legend

2 weeks ago | wildernessmag.co.nz | Samantha Mythen

If you blink, you may just miss him. He’s speedy, he’s infamous, he’s had a song written about him, and he’s just become the oldest person to hike Te Araroa in the 2025 season. At 82 years old, Ernst Schweizer didn’t plan on breaking any records. He’s just a fella who loves a big hike. Schweizer “knocked the bastard off” and touched the Stirling Point signpost on March 20. He had set out from Cape Rēinga on November 2. “I surprised myself,” he said.
A peak challenge - Wilderness Magazine

2 weeks ago | wildernessmag.co.nz | Samantha Mythen

Nick Allen has dedicated his life to challenging the notion that a neurological diagnosis is the end of one’s ability to get outdoors. This year he is climbing 52 peaks higher than 1000m. In his mid-20s Allen was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder and confined to a mobility scooter. He spent the next five years in rehabilitation, eventually climbing a 6000m peak in the Himalayas.
Celebrating the biodiversity of our great outdoors

2 weeks ago | wildernessmag.co.nz | Samantha Mythen

Outdoor enthusiasts around the world will celebrate International Day for Biodiversity on May 22. This year’s theme is ‘Harmony with nature and sustainable development’. Aotearoa’s rich biodiversity of more than 80,000 endemic species has been threatened by the introduction of invasive species such as gorse and possums. Here are three ways you can celebrate the day and protect our biodiversity:1. Find your local Predator Free 2050 group and go out trapping.
Respecting the end of a life in the mountain

2 weeks ago | wildernessmag.co.nz | Samantha Mythen

After a hiker died on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in March, a rāhui was put in place by local iwi Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro from March 22 to March 26, and hikers were asked to consider alternative walking routes. A man in his 50s collapsed while walking the crossing. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and he died a short time later. A rāhui is a common Māori custom and is a physical and spiritual protection mechanism.
Coromandel Walkway repairs begin

2 weeks ago | wildernessmag.co.nz | Samantha Mythen

The popular walking track connecting Stony Bay and Fletcher Bay at the northern tip of Coromandel Peninsula may soon re-open. A 670m section of the Coromandel Walkway was closed after Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the region in 2023, when landslides made parts of the track impassable.
A short little guide to cold illness

2 weeks ago | wildernessmag.co.nz | Rachel Davies

Cold temps, wetness, and wind, combined with inadequate fueling & hydration, poor trip planning and medical conditions can all lead to progressive phases of cold illness and injury, no matter the season.