Outside in Aotearoa
What's happening outdoors around New Zealand. Track updates, mountain news and good reasons to get out there.
Find Fantail Falls on the Haast Highway: a short return walk, riverbank views, nearby toilets, what to bring and real location and route maps.
Read more... : Fantail Falls: a short waterfall stop on the Haast HighwaySLSNZ’s October update describes four days of Fiordland rescue training, night searches and a changed exit plan when weather stopped helicopter extraction.
Read more... : Fiordland rescue exercise puts weather backup plans to the testFind Piroa Falls near Waipū: a short stepped gorge walk, limited gravel-road parking, a flood-prone bridge and accurate aerial route maps.
Read more... : Piroa Falls: a short gorge walk near WaipūVisit Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls near Raglan: upper viewpoints or a steep walk to the base, realistic return times, road access and aerial maps.
Read more... : Bridal Veil Falls near Raglan: viewpoints and the climb backPlan Ruakuri’s 1 km loop near Waitomo: about 45 minutes, limestone arches, stairs, picnic facilities, glowworm viewing and aerial route maps.
Read more... : Ruakuri Walk: forest, limestone and glowworms near WaitomoVisit Mangapohue Natural Bridge: a 700 m return walk beneath a limestone arch, boardwalk and steps, Te Anga Road access and real aerial maps.
Read more... : Mangapohue Natural Bridge: a limestone gorge walk near WaitomoPlan the short Marokopa Falls walk: 600–700 m return, stairs and muddy patches, Te Anga Road parking, waterfall views and aerial route maps.
Read more... : Marokopa Falls: a short forest walk near WaitomoDOC is consulting on ten Tongariro Alpine Crossing guiding applications. Read the proposals and submit feedback by 5 pm on 29 October 2026.
Read more... : Tongariro guiding applications: submissions close 29 OctoberJoin Bike Ōwairaka’s 11 October ride from Alan Wood Reserve to a free heritage talk at Onehunga Community House. Meeting time and venue details.
Read more... : Bike Ōwairaka’s 11 October ride heads to a Onehunga heritage talkDOC’s Tongariro fire-recovery update includes an open day in Raurimu on 16 October, restoration work and practical advice for visitors.
Read more... : Tongariro fire recovery: public open day on 16 OctoberMSC’s October 2026 River Safety Month highlights four warning signs and the value of training, waiting and turning back on backcountry trips.
Read more... : River Safety Month returns with lessons from real incidentsPlan the Spa Park to Huka Falls walk: 3 km one way, riverside terrain, the County Avenue start, return transport, dog rules and real aerial maps.
Read more... : Spa Park to Huka Falls: a riverside walk from Taupō
