We navigated 60 rapids on the Tongariro River last Saturday and even jumped off a short cliff during a break. Despite the endorphin rush of any exercise, the rubber running belt is a sad substitute for the outdoors. They suggested decreased nature experience may help explain the link between city living and mental illness. This means window shopping in Tauranga, Auckland or Paris may not be as good for mental health as walking or running the Mount. Dawn Picken also writes for the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 10, 2017 06:00 UTC