Laura Young An Advocate for Kea
Dr. Laura Young is a talented botanist, ultra-runner, mum, and kea enthusiast who chose to dive deep into the study of New Zealand’s most iconic mountain parrots.
Outdoor dads When the kids are very little
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.
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.
By snowshoe The Garvie Mountains
A few keen Wellingtonians head on a windy winters walk to a lesser known corner of the proposed "Remarkables National Park"
Youth Award Grant Matemateonga Wahine
‘Five tough wahine’ from Northland come full circle. No longer 'wee little Bronzies,' they complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award with a journey that incorporates the area they visited when they first began their DOE Adventurous Journey.
Pay it forward The Mountains are Calling . . . and We Should All Go.
The first time I climbed a mountain covered in snow, I sure as heck didn’t know what I was doing.
Tramp and camp With the Little Champ
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a great option for a multi-day tramping trip with a baby.
Decision making The Hill-Billy Brain
Ken MacIver relates the story and thinking behind his Back country decision-making checklist.
Bike, hike and fly L’Arête Française
Only one hour from French Ridge Hut to Raspberry Creek?... Wasn't on foot, but it didn't involve any engines or motors...
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.
Start 'em young Babes in Backpacks
Before becoming a mum, a big part of how I identified myself was as a long-distance trail runner and tramper. Not surprisingly, one of my biggest concerns about welcoming a little human into my life was not being able to get out and enjoy the backcountry as much or in the same capacity.
Alpine winter camping Having a good time in the cold
Thanks to New Zealand's temperate oceanic climate, the Southern Alps don't get to experience the same rigid winter temperatures as the European Alps, the American Rocky Mountains or the Himalayas.
Success: It’s a Matter of Perspective
If there’s one thing that going on an overnight tramp with an 18-month-old teaches you, it’s that success is simply a matter of perspective. Or, at least, that’s what we learned the first time we took our toddler with us to stay in a hut.
Climbing Mount Codral
An attempt of the south ridge of Mount Travers, Nelson Lakes, fueled by cold medicine.
Mahi: Backcountry volunteers celebrated
Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) is tipping its hat to the volunteers behind the outdoor clubs and organisations throughout New Zealand.
A Traverse of Titiroa
An April traverse of Mount Titiroa from Hope Arm to Borland in Fiordland National Park.
Alpine winter camping Setting up camp in the snow
There is nothing quite like the the silence of the mountains in winter, the clarity of the Milky Way in the crispy cold air, or an alpenglow on a snowy ridge.
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
History Te U (Kaharoa) Bivouac
Taupo tramper Barbara Morris reveals Te U Bivouac deep in Te Urewera
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
