Back in the day The origins of a packrafter
Hugh Canard reflects on a few past (mis)adventures which make him grateful for the modern packrafts we have these days.
Trip Reports
The Moeraki: an unexpected adventure
Some adventures are planned, others present themselves unexpectedly. Otherwise known as (mini) epics, or type 2 (or three) fun, these adventures are often the memorable ones.
First descents: The General
Joe Bugden and Greg Tilden commit to the exploration of a world class technical canyon in the Dart valley.
Upper Otaki Gorgeous gorges
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.
Great Kiwi clubs Three days in the Coromandel
Katikati Tramping Club members make the most of the long weekends weather to explore and tramp through a delightful part of the Coromandel peninsula.
Kahurangi The Roaring Lion
As four friends from the Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club we were very fortunate to be the first recipients of the Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship.
The lessons hit home A steep learning curve (part 2)
In the second part of a reflection on the first year of Packrafting; near the end of the year, the lessons finally sink in.
Getting down whitewater A steep learning curve (part 1)
Dan Clearwater reflects back on his first year of Packrafting: recounting a few close calls and lessons learned the hard way.
Endurance The Big Mistake
My first big mission back in New Zealand was quite an education.
Epic Infinity Packrafting Loop (Part 2)
The intrepid Emily Forne and friends complete their creative pack-raftiing loop in the wilds of South Westland
Epic The Infinity Packrafting Loop
The intrepid Emily Forne and friends commit to an extended version of the Hollyford/Pyke packrafting classic.
Expedition Scholarships Tararua Traverse
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
Ski Touring The Fox Neve
The west coast neve's are a magical ski touring destination. Whilst there's plenty of scope for very intense lines, there's also plenty of mellow terrain for when the snow isn't quite in condition. Regardless of the skiing, it is an incredible place to visit.
The X-Pisa’s A Snow Shoeing and Paragliding Adventure
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."
The upper Waiau
The thing about packrafting is, that the whole experience is greater than the sum of the two parts. Join Dan Clearwater as he traverses the Opera Range and paddles the Waiau River.
Paragliding Hike and Fly Corner Peak
Dan Clearwater takes the easy way down from a great summit above Lake Hawea.
Spine of the Fish Day 63: she drives me crazy
An unexpected side route offers up a sparkling gem...
Spine of the Fish Day 62: a walk down memory lane
A chance text makes a new destination necessary.
Spine of the Fish Day 61: making tracks
A spot of research and development before the last push.
Ski-Tour Sweet turns on Poseidon Peak
Forget Bill English's 'walk-run', Emily Forne explains how to 'ski-tramp', on Poseidon Peak
Climb An Adventure on Fastness Peak
"To me climbing is not so much about iron will and determination but more about fitting who you are and your state on a particular day with a realistic goal. I am always intrigued about the inner workings of body and mind and how they allow you to succeed and come home safely"...powered by thoughts of social recognition and sexual reward, Erik Bradshaw explores the south face of Fastness
Spine of the Fish Day 56 – Walking access omission
Walking in ditches is the best way to see the real New Zealand
Spine of the Fish Day 55 – To the Beach
Roadwalking is sometimes a necessary evil when you're trail hiking.
Wow Central Southern Alps Traverse
"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."
