Nelson Lakes Tops Topo Twisting on the Ella Range
A veritable tarn-fest during a north-to-south traverse between Mole Tops and McKellar Stream leads to a perfect backdrop for two adventure photographers, Peter Laurenson and Shaun Barnett.
Photo Essays
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.
Ruahine Tops Two More 1,700 Metre Points
An overnight bivvy above the clouds sets the scene for a photographer's paradise, as Peter Laurenson heads south of Waipawa Saddle to Rangioteatua.
The Tops Trip Evolution in the Kahurangi
"With some relief, we unlinked from our last four man river fording formation. Now safely on the true left of Ellis River, we knew there was only the gravel of Baton Valley Road between us and a warm shower, dry clothes and a good feed in Nelson."
Climbing Beyond the Clifftop Shelter
A spring climb of Ringatoto and the east ridge of Tahurangi reminds two experienced mountaineers, Peter Laurenson and Simon Williamson, that there is no room for complacency on the mountain.
The Tops Three Saddles
"If snow is in condition, it’s a joy. When it’s not, it’s a torment." Peter Laurenson and his mates go off-trail in Nelson Lakes.
Family Ladder in the Wilderness
Accompanied by his two sons, Ed and Will, Peter Laurenson capitalises on the school holidays to expend some of their teenage energy by climbing the Tararua Peaks.
Climbing The longest night
Snow plugging on the Grand Plateau, then a descent via Cinerama Col
The Tops Not quite like Doctor Who would do it
Exploring tops in Lewis Pass National Reserve
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.
Mountain Families: In the Hakatere
What an absolute perfect winter's day in August, just after a fresh snowfall, spending time exploring the Hakatere Conservation 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.
Climbing Mount Codral
An attempt of the south ridge of Mount Travers, Nelson Lakes, fueled by cold medicine.
A Traverse of Titiroa
An April traverse of Mount Titiroa from Hope Arm to Borland in Fiordland National Park.
Trekking Khumbu: Off the beaten trek
There's more to Khumbu than a slog up to overcrowded Everest Base Camp and a side trip to Gokyo
Tararua Tops A Trip Beyond Memory Lane
A collection of photography over the years: Mount Holdsworth > Aokaparangi > Maungahuka > Cone Ridge
Tararua Tops Thirst on the ridge
An overnight circuit: Neill Ridge/Mount Hector/Bull Mound
FMC Photo competition 2018 The story behind the top shot
It was one of those trips where everything was on the edge of going so wrong yet ended up being so right.
Caroline Bellamy An artistic encounter with Fiordland
I had always wanted to pursue an artistic career and I soon realised the strong connection my painting had with the landscape.
Climbing Above the Fiord
As Simon pondered the viability of down climbing another steep section soaring above, it occurred to me that we were going to run out of time.
Milford Isolation A Ranger’s Diary
It may be one of the most popular walks in the world but what happens when winter reclaims the landscape?
