West Coast Lambert Glacier and the ‘Gardens’
A group of friends embark on a week-long traverse of the Lambert Glacier and the Gardens of Allah and Eden.
Communications End of the Mountain Radio?
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.
Youth Award Grant Attempting the Tongariro Northern Circuit
Four friends set out on their Silver qualifying journey only to be tested by weather, thereby demonstrating their maturity in choosing safety over the finish line.
Mist, Scrub and Ultramafic Boulders An Epic in the Olivines
When Katherine, Penzy, and Lydia set off for a girl’s only traverse of the Olivine Range, little did they know it would take 15 days and a helicopter transport.
Youth Award Grant Making Memories on the Humpridge Track
As recipients of the FMC Youth Award Grant, eight students from St. Peters College brave the Humpridge Track in rain-soaked conditions and make lasting memories along the way.
Back to the Wild Tramping to Kahurangi Keepers Hut
A cast iron bath in a DOC hut?! On a weekend tramp, Sonia and her family discover the perks of staying in a hut once occupied by a lighthouse keeper and his family.
Mt Wilmot The True Matterhorn of the South
Ruari Macfarlane and his mum throw together a last minute plan to explore the fringe of deepest Fjordland.
Mountain Adventure Disaster in the Darrans
Alastair and Tony embark on a true Darran’s classic - the Bowen Allan Corner - and return with scars to prove it.
The Remarkables A Very Grand Traverse
Jason Rosinger, Daniel Smith, and Charlotte Holmes hop in Dan's DIY campervan and head to the Remarkables, where they make their ascent of Double Cone.
October 2010 Rock Climbing at the Arapiles
Four young blokes get technical. Rowan Sinton, Mike Dalzell, James Collett, and Simon Bell spend a week rock climbing in Australia. These are the notes from Simon’s presentation to the Tararua Tramping Club in October 2013.
November 2011 ‘Safety in the Mountains’ & Backcountry Meals
Uncle Jacko talks backcountry meal ideas, the medicinal benefits of swearing, and much more in this edition of his Cookery Corner.
Carry your Kayak... Poutini’s Gorge
Jess Lange and mates carry in thier boats to paddle the gorges of the West Coast's classic Arahura River.
Te Araroa Part II: A Long Run on our Long Pathway
In Part II of her blog, Mary completes the North Island portion of the Te Araroa Trail just days before lockdown and emerges to find a world strikingly different from when she began her tramp.
November 2015 The Summer of El Nino
What is 'El Nino?' A weather pattern first labelled by the Peruvians, learn how it has impacted climate not only globally, but here in New Zealand.
Te Araroa Part I: A Long Run on our Long Pathway
As a recipient of the FMC Youth Expedition Scholarship, Mary Williams departs on a solo mission to complete the South Island section of the Te Araroa Trail.
August 2014 Winter Tramping
Uncle Jacko emphasises the importance of a good pair of knickers in the backcountry and how winter tramping often seems more alluring whilst in the comforts of an armchair.
Back to the Wild Winter Hiking with Babies and Toddlers
With winter in full swing, Sonia Barrish offers practical and insightful tips for winter hiking with a little one.
A new normal Solo Tramping
In light of social distancing restrictions, Sarah Tiong gives solo tramping a try. She discovers not only the benefits of going at her own pace, but how rewarding it can be to 'leave the psychological security of safety in numbers.'
A Forbidden Fruit Lake Orbell
When David Barnes finally gets the chance to join DOC's annual Lake Orbell trip, he seizes the opportunity. And it was well worth the wait.
Mountain Adventure Taranaki Winter
Finding their hut frozen solid was not enough to deter Alastair and his team from successfully completing a double summit of Shark's Tooth on Mt Taranaki.
Backcountry te reo Ngā maunga
Mountains play a powerful role in many Māori legends. In this edition of Kōrero ki ngā maunga, Ben Douglas explores the language of the mountains.
Two Peaks Barff, Dragonfly and the FOMO
Rob Hawes, Lorraine Johns, and Simon Bell climb two peaks during one long Wanaka weekend. In Rob’s account, he shares how Simon’s FOMO guaranteed that he didn't miss out on an epic climb.
Lost in the bush Six Squares of Chocolate
What makes you the richest person in the backcountry? When a group of research students' tramp in the Australian bush doesn't go as planned, they learn the importance of not only carrying a first aid kit, but an emergency supply of chocolate for morale.
