ReGear Journal

Hiking September 29, 2026

Pancake Rocks: a coastal loop at Punakaiki

Explore Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks on a short paved loop. Plan around 30 minutes plus stops, with coastal views, blowholes and paid parking.

Hiking September 29, 2026

Cape Foulwind Walkway: seals, cliffs and lighthouse views near Westport

Choose a short seal-colony walk or Cape Foulwind’s 3.4 km one-way coastal route. Includes maps, parking, effort and return-trip planning.

Hiking September 29, 2026

Mirror Lakes: a short boardwalk stop on the Milford Road

Stop at Mirror Lakes on the Milford Road for an easy 400 m return boardwalk, mountain reflections and a practical ten-minute walking break.

Canterbury September 29, 2026

Kura Tāwhiti / Castle Hill: walking among Canterbury’s limestone rocks

Plan the 1.7 km Kura Tāwhiti loop at Castle Hill: about 40 minutes among limestone outcrops, with parking, toilets and useful visitor guidance.

Central North Island September 29, 2026

Lake Rotopounamu: a forest-and-beach loop near Tūrangi

Walk Lake Rotopounamu’s 5 km forest loop near Tūrangi. Allow about two hours, with lakeside beaches, an initial climb and SH47 parking.

Canterbury September 28, 2026

Canterbury river birds get a $20,000 funding boost through BRaid

Environment Canterbury has announced $20,000 for BRaid’s work supporting threatened braided-river birds, including wrybill and black-fronted tern.

Nationwide September 28, 2026

MSC’s new video series looks at the decisions behind outdoor safety

Mountain Safety Council’s new six-part Mental Shortcuts series explores the habits that shape outdoor decisions, with a useful prompt for your next trip.

Hiking September 28, 2026

Truman Track: rainforest and wild coast near Punakaiki

A short guide to Truman Track near Punakaiki: 1.4 km return, rainforest, coastal viewpoints, parking and the sea conditions to check before descending.

Hiking September 28, 2026

Hokitika Gorge: a forest loop with swing-bridge views

Plan Hokitika Gorge’s roughly 1.6 km loop and 90-minute visit: forest, viewpoints and suspension bridges, with parking, water and river-safety advice.