Peter Laurenson

Peter is a keen tramper, climber and outdoor photographer. He has been an NZAC member since 2002 and as a member of the Wellington Section Committee, edited their monthly bulletin Vertigo, organised section nights and judged photo comps. Since Jan 2019 he took on the role of editor for FMC’s Backcountry. He is also a frequent contributor to Wilderness Magazine, runs www.occasionalclimber.co.nz, featuring many of his alpine and travel images and in August 2021 released a book, published by Bateman Books, titled KHUMBU Gateway to Mount Everest Pathways to Kinship, about his experiences spanning over 30 years in this famous Nepalese region.

Crawling to Jumbo

Tararua Tops  Crawling to Jumbo

With a forecast for horizontal snowfall, Peter Laurenson and Shaun Barnett step into a powdery paradise to capture proof that the Tararua Range has mountains too. Despite moments of crawling on hands and knees through thigh-deep snow, Peter uses his years of skilled camerawork to illustrate the magic (and reality) of winter tramping.

Tops Feast

Tararua Ranges  Tops Feast

Beautifully captured by photographer Peter Laurenson, an extended version of the Tararua Ranges' northern crossing brings a tops feast for Peter and his mate, Simon, and just the right amount of challenge for these two keen trampers.

A Night Out on Mt Arthur

Kahurangi Bivvy  A Night Out on Mt Arthur

Defined by its distinctive karst rock formations and sinkholes that remind trampers to guard each step, Mt Arthur lends itself to a photographer’s paradise. Documenting his trek to the peak with camera in tow, Peter Laurenson captures the maunga in all its glory.

The Busy Lizard

Mt Taranaki  The Busy Lizard

'Though plenty of inexperienced day walkers happily climb Taranaki, the mountain is still one of the most deadly in New Zealand. For many, the northern summer route is their surest way to safely experience climbing Taranaki.' Seasoned mountaineer, Peter Laurenson, provides foundational advice for minimising trouble and maximising fun on Mt Taranaki this summer.

Sustainable in Print?

Backcountry Magazine  Sustainable in Print?

In light of climate change, have you ever wondered why FMC continues to print its Backcountry magazine? Backcountry editor, Peter Laurenson, shares FMC's reasons behind the printed version, the steps taken to align with its values of stewardship and environmental protection, and the future of this classic publication.

Thin and Hard

Climbing  Thin and Hard

A winter climb of the south face of Mount Taranaki proves challenging and leaves little room for error. Despite the need to carefully calculate each step, photographer Peter Laurenson still manages to capture spectacular images along the way.

Mt Armstrong, Aspiring National Park

Climbing  Mt Armstrong, Aspiring National Park

For North Island townies like me, one of the biggest challenges in any climb in the Southern Alps is just getting there in time for a weather window. So a climb of Mount Armstrong (2,174m), a little over 700 metres above the highly accessible Brewster Hut (12 bunks), is a good option when time is the limiting factor.

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