Forgotten Lands Coromandel
While great strides have been taken to restore the native bird population, the future of the Coromandel Forests is less certain. FMC outlines its vision for the protection of the Coromandel Peninsula.
August 2019 Developing a Photographer’s Mindset
What happens when your life-long hobby becomes your profession? For Richard Sidey, he began to lose the spark for his once beloved hobby. He shares how through clear purpose, technology, and a few easy to follow steps, he finds a way to rekindle his love of adventure photography.
Clubs Thriving or just surviving? Clubs of the future
What are the role of clubs and how can they stay relevant for future generations? Kathy Ombler, journalist and FMC member, delves into the many creative ways clubs are practicing diversity, advocacy, and technology.
Training Grant Snow skills for the top of the south tramping clubs
Nelson Tramping Club was awarded a FMC Training Grant: a cash grant to enable this snow skills weekend which was run in combination with the Marlborough Tramping Club.
West Coast Lambert Glacier and the ‘Gardens’
A group of friends embark on a week-long traverse of the Lambert Glacier and the Gardens of Allah and Eden.
Communications End of the Mountain Radio?
Satellite based comms devices have largely taken over from the humble mountain radio, but the latter isn't dead yet. There's still several groups of volunteers around NZ who rent out the sets and tune in for the 'sked' each night. We heard from Hugh Wilde, chairperson of the Wellington Mountain Radio Service to give our readers his take on pro's and con's of some of the gadgetry.
Youth Award Grant Attempt at the Tongariro Northern Circuit
Four friends set out on their Silver qualifying journey only to be tested by weather and demonstrate their maturity in choosing safety over the finish line.
Mist, Scrub and Ultramafic Boulders An Epic in the Olivines
When Katherine, Penzy, and Lydia set off for a girl’s only traverse of the Olivine Range, little did they know it would take 15 days and a helicopter transport.
Youth Award Grant Making Memories on the Humpridge Track
As recipients of the FMC Youth Award Grant, eight students from St. Peters College brave the Humpridge Track in rain-soaked conditions and make lasting memories along the way.
Mt Wilmot The True Matterhorn of the South
Ruari Macfarlane and his mum throw together a last minute plan to explore the fringe of deepest Fjordland.
The Remarkables A Very Grand Traverse
Jason Rosinger, Daniel Smith, and Charlotte Holmes hop in Dan's DIY campervan and head to the Remarkables, where they make their ascent of Double Cone.
Carry your Kayak... Poutini’s Gorge
Jess Lange and mates carry in thier boats to paddle the gorges of the West Coast's classic Arahura River.
Te Araroa Part II: A long run on our long pathway
In Part II of her blog, Mary completes the North Island portion of the Te Araroa Trail just days before lockdown and emerges to find a world strikingly different from when she began her tramp.
November 2015 The Summer of El Nino
What is 'El Nino?' A weather pattern first labelled by the Peruvians, learn how it has impacted climate not only globally, but here in New Zealand.
Te Araroa Part I: A long run on our long pathway
As a recipient of the FMC Youth Expedition Scholarship, Mary Williams departs on a solo mission to complete the South Island section of the Te Araroa Trail.
A new normal Solo Tramping
In light of social distancing restrictions, Sarah Tiong gives solo tramping a try. She discovers not only the benefits of going at her own pace, but how rewarding it can be to 'leave the psychological security of safety in numbers.'
Backcountry te reo (June 2018) Ngā maunga
Mountains play a powerful role in many Māori legends. In this edition of Kōrero ki ngā maunga, Ben Douglas explores the language of the mountains.
Two Peaks Barff, Dragonfly and the FOMO
Rob Hawes, Lorraine Johns, and Simon Bell climb two peaks during one long Wanaka weekend. In Rob’s account, he shares how Simon’s FOMO guaranteed that he didn't miss out on an epic climb.
Lost in the bush Six squares of chocolate
What makes you the richest person in the backcountry? When a group of research students' tramp in the Australian bush doesn't go as planned, they learn the importance of not only carrying a first aid kit, but an emergency supply of chocolate for morale.
August 2012 Wind in the Mountains
Have you ever wondered what causes those UFO-shaped clouds high above the mountains? Or why some areas are lashed by strong winds while others remain protected? MetService Forecaster, Leigh Matheson, offers insight into the role wind plays in the mountains.
Forgotten Lands Gwavas Conservation Area
Covering 2,700 hectares of the Wakarara range in Central Hawkes Bay, the Gwavas Conservation Area has been awaiting reclassification since DOC's early days. John Beech, General Committee Member for the Manawatu Tramping and Skiing Club, offers insight into this region's battle for reclassification and greater land protection.
What to do When the mountains are on lockdown
How do you navigate a lockdown when you're used to spending all your time outdoors? Tarsh Turner offers 4 tips to help fight the lockdown blues and explains why the mountaineer lifestyle has helped prepare her for these difficult and unprecedented times.
About Conservation Boards A Voice For Local Communities
What are Conservation Boards and what purpose do they serve? Bruce Jefferies, Deputy Chairperson from the Central Otago Lakes Branch of the Forest and Bird Protection Society, explains the function of Conservation Boards and the essential role they play in representing public interests in DOC operations and conservation in general.
A for Adventure A Family Adventure Challenge
Leah Parker sets an adventure challenge for her family: to get her boys outdoors at least once a week for a year. In her article, she recounts the highlights of their 52 outdoor adventures and why she encourages other families to create their own challenge to get outdoors.
