Andy Carruthers

Andy Carruthers is a passionate filmmaker, trail runner, and tramper from Wellington. His love for filmmaking blossomed through his expeditions to remote and challenging landscapes, where he skillfully captured the raw beauty of nature with his GoPro. Andy runs www.greatwalkadventures.com/blog and directed the film Tararua S-K. In addition to his filmmaking, Andy serves as the Chair of the Alpine Club's Wellington Section and organises the Tararua Mountain Race, furthering his commitment to fostering a love for the outdoors.

How To

Embracing the Wilderness My Journey into Adventure Filmmaking

By Andy Carruthers|2024-11-18T12:19:53+13:00November 18th, 2024

Are you interested in adventure filmmaking? Grab your camera and start telling your story! Founder of 'Short Films Big Adventures' and outdoor enthusiast, Andy Carruthers, shares his journey from novice filmmaker to creator of a successful adventure film, Tararua S-K, featured on Apple TV and Air New Zealand's in-flight entertainment. From crafting an engaging story to filmmaking and distribution, Andy offers insider tips for aspiring adventure filmmakers.

Trip Reports

Team Poem Everest Base Camp

By Andy Carruthers|2024-08-19T10:54:04+12:00August 12th, 2024

Andy Carruthers and a group of friends embark on a trek to Everest Base Camp, capturing the spirit of their climb through poetry and film.

Trip Reports

Mt Aspiring Tititea Matterhorn of the South

By Andy Carruthers|2024-08-12T10:47:23+12:00August 12th, 2024

With recommendations from Alastair McDowell after his record-breaking climb of Mt Aspiring Tititea, Andy Carruthers and crew plan their own summit of this incredible maunga. Four days in Mt Aspiring National Park not only offer the team breathtaking views and a birthday bubbles celebration at the summit, but also key takeaways into how they could minimise 'the scary moments' and maximise safety and comfort the next time around.

Trip Reports

Ski Touring The Mahu Whenua Traverse

By Andy Carruthers|2023-09-12T14:23:18+12:00September 12th, 2023

What is a mountain Turk? Offering a world-class, alpine journey along the backbone of the Harris Mountains, Andy Carruthers and five mates test out Turk life by ski touring the Mahu Whenua Traverse.

Trip Reports

Fastpacking Traversing the Richmond Range High Ridge From Mt Riley to Red Hills

By Andy Carruthers|2023-05-25T19:19:16+12:00May 25th, 2023

"You know you have taken on a good adventure when you have butterflies in your tummy." Feeling ready to tackle another ambitious mission, Andy and his two mates attempt to fastpack the Richmond Range High Ridge in 45 hours over four days.

Trip Reports

Kahurangi National Park Walking The Dragons Teeth High Route

By Andy Carruthers|2023-05-22T13:58:16+12:00March 1st, 2023

After planning their tramp over two years ago, Andy and his mates finally embark on the backcountry trip they've been waiting for – Dragons Teeth in Kahurangi National Park.

Trip Reports

Packrafting Kaimanawa Kaweka Traverse

By Andy Carruthers|2022-05-28T12:23:22+12:00May 28th, 2022

"There were so many sets of rapids – it was like being at the water park with a fast pass to the best ride." Andy and his mates make the call to delay their second attempt of the Dragon's Tooth route in Kahurangi National Park, opting instead for the Kaimanawa Kaweka traverse and packrafting down the Mohaka River.

Ski Touring

Ball Pass Fire and Ice

By Andy Carruthers|2021-12-02T20:55:51+13:00December 2nd, 2021

The 'Big 50' inspires Andy to expand beyond fastpacking and tackle a new type of adventure -- ski touring. After taking an alpine skills course, he and his mates head to Ball Pass in Mount Aoraki.

Trip Reports

Fastpacking Travers Sabine Circuit plus Blue Lake Nelson Lakes

By Andy Carruthers|2021-09-04T16:32:43+12:00August 26th, 2021

After being on his bucket list for 3 years, Andy and his crew finally make it back to Lake Rotomairewhenua (Blue Lake) in the Nelson Lakes National Park, where they fastpack the Travers Sabine Circuit with a side trip to Blue Lake -- all with the goal of keeping their tramping time within 22 hours.

Trip Reports

Fastpacking Nelson Lakes: 5 Passes D’Urville to St Arnaud

By Andy Carruthers|2021-09-04T16:32:43+12:00July 21st, 2021

How long does it take to trek 120km? Andy Carruthers and his mates complete their next fastpacking mission: Nelson Lakes, 5 passes D’Urville to St Arnaud in 31 hours over 3 days. With a bit of scree surfing, fresh bread and regular dips in the lake, it's nothing the trio can't handle.

Trip Reports

Fastpacking Kaimanawa Kaweka Traverse

By Andy Carruthers|2021-09-04T16:32:43+12:00April 22nd, 2021

28 hours of hiking in two days? Andy embarks on his first two-night fastpacking trip -- the Kaimanawa Kaweka traverse -- and documents his journey through video and GPX navigation.