Traditionally, the Otaki gorge below Waitewaewae Hut was the domain of trampers with tyre tubes in low summer flows, and the occasional heli-kayaker when it been raining. Now, like many of the Tararua gorges, this is set to become a classic packrafting trip.
After 40 years exploring rivers all around the world, Hugh Canard explains why he loves his new river tool.
Kane Hartill shares the story behind his magnficent photo; of mountain adventures across generations and being there just at the right moment.
Interested in giving Packrafting a whirl? Dulkara Martig offers some information you might want to know before giving it a go.
Katikati Tramping Club members make the most of the long weekends weather to explore and tramp through a delightful part of the Coromandel peninsula.
Trampers go the darnedest places, here Peter Lee-Johnson and his Katikati Tramping Club mates find a view in the southern Kaimai.
In the summer of 2015/2016, a group from the Auckland University Tramping Club traversed the Tararua with support from the FMC Mountain and Forest Trust
Caver, photographer and passionate outdoorsman Neil Silverwood on the threat of development to our wild places.
Conservation guru Les Molloy ponders the future of conservation planning and wilderness in the Kaimanawa.
In the rainy summer of 2016/2017, Allan Brent, Lydia McLean, Alexis Belton and Mark Leslie set out on an epic mission to traverse Te Waipounamu. Here is a taste of their journey, with captions by Alan Brent. The Te Waipounamu traverse was supported by an FMC Expedition Scholarship
Caught by race fever from the Red-Bull "X-Alps" paragliding adventure race, Melanie Heather comes first on her own imaginary race closer to home; from Cardrona to Cromwell; the "X-Pisa."
On an obscure spur, high in the Hokitika river, Frisco hut was isolated by overgrown tracks for 30 years after the deer cullers left. No more!
Experienced DOC ranger Bruce Postill recounts the valley-hopping history of what was McCormacks Hut
The Backcountry has many surprises, occasionally even a spot of luxury. Ian Bade gives a couple of tips about where to find a hot shower.
The late Tony Gates shares some stories about the Kaweka Mountain Marathon.
In 2014 FMC Executive member Barbara Morris negotiated access through the East Taupo Lands for FMC Club Members and Supporters, read more...
Geoff Spearpoint and Rob Brown provide the vision for a future backcountry partnership between the outdoors community and the Department of Conservation
Arnold Heine reviews Paul Bensemann's story of the long search for a lost gold reef in the Tasman Wilderness Area.
"One of the most astounding aspects of the Southern Alps is its wilderness areas. While signs are useful and huts are helpful, there are few locales left on Earth, much less in such pristine environments as the Alps, where no indication of human impact is anywhere to be seen. Wilderness areas defy every inherent aspect of human nature – to find, to organize, and to claim. But within the Southern Alps, there exist pockets where snowy footprints are the most permanent presence any human can hope to have. Aircraft are forbidden to land. No signs. No huts. No nonsense."
The Rangiora Tramping Club is a very family-friendly club, with a reputation for openly welcoming and including new people.
"I am acutely conscious every time I get in the hills that someone had to fight to save that experience for me."... A 2010 opinion piece from then FMC President Richard Davies.
Wellington’s Kaumatua Tramping Club caters for trampers 35yrs and over and is still going strong after 58 years.
Club stalwart Nick Riordan details the excellence of the Canterbury University Tramping Club (CUTC)
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