Does increased mobile coverage through SpaceX and One NZ mean the end of backcountry solitude? Or will enhanced communication result in more lives saved when lost or injured? Outdoor education student and backcountry enthusiast, Josephine Tarasiewicz, explores these challenging questions as New Zealand stands at a pivotal point of connection.
FMC's executive board member Mick Abbott explores why our public huts matter and why we should all show them a bit of love this spring.
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.
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.
Despite a plan to upgrade its status years ago, Hakatere Conservation Area has been classified as 'stewardship land' since 2007 after its purchase by the Nature Heritage Fund. FMC President, Jan Finlayson, discusses its natural resources and recreational opportunities, as well as the many special creatures that call this magical landscape home.
What is the significance of 'stewardship land' and in what ways is this classification lacking? DOC Manager in Planning Permissions and Land, Karl Beckert, outlines the history of stewardship land and the process by which DOC is striving to reclassify lands to reflect the conservation and cultural values of the whenua.
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.
Climate change. Global warming. What’s causing it? Is it down to us?
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.
Confronted by the dramatic environmental changes occurring in New Zealand, former FMC Vice President Neil Silverwood explores how photography can be utilised as a powerful tool for advocacy.
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.
Like living in a ski town on a powder day, Hokitika is a river town, and we get our fair share of ‘fat’ powder days – just the melted type.
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.
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.
Why is land classification important? What are the consequences of classifying an area as a stewardship land as opposed to a national park? FMC Executive Crystal Brindle explains how classification works and champions for the Mavora Lakes Conservation Area and Livingstone Mountains to be awarded the highest tier of protection.
Featured in Backcountry Magazine's "Forgotten Lands" edition (November 2019), FMC Executive Neil Silverwood explores the unique limestone region around the Four Mile River West Coast and explains why this remarkable land deserves higher protection.
I’m sure that fear of losing the freedom to get into the mountains is common among many keen outdoor parents. But rather than just waiting to see if that perceived ‘fate’ became reality, I proactively decided to adapt to this new life-chapter and embrace the opportunities that it held.
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.
The first time I climbed a mountain covered in snow, I sure as heck didn’t know what I was doing.
The prospect of changes to NZ's regional helicopter services hits close to home for new FMC Executive member, Sarah Tiong.
Tasmania is a tramper’s wonderland of ancient geology, flora and fauna, and so different to Aotearoa that it’s hard to believe we are neighbours.
$26.5 million dollars has been allocated to re-development around the "Pancake Rocks" at Dolomite Point. Neil Silverwood questions the wisdom of this project, and ponders whether DOC's focus has shifted from conservator to developer..
Not just for adventure racers or soliders any more; packrafters beware! Timothy Hargrave gives us the low down on rotting feet in Fiordland.
So what is it about tramping and climbing that builds friendships as solid as Darrans diorite?
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