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.
Liam Hewson embarks on an excursion three years in the making -- his final tramp for the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award along the St. James Walkway, Lewis Pass.
Snow plugging on the Grand Plateau, then a descent via Cinerama Col
Former MetService Ambassador, Bob McDavitt, shares his expertise in the art and science of reading weather maps and clouds.
In this edition of Uncle Jacko’s Cookery Corner (originally featured in the November 2015 FMC Bulletin), Uncle Jacko covers a wide range of topics from DOC's orange track markers to the 421 different Scottish words for snow.
Sonia Barrish asks the question: "What do people in countries without nappies do?" By following her baby's cues, Sonia learns about a more natural approach to toilet training that's perfect for family trampers.
Reward for effort. Steve Dowall, Peter Dickson, Lisa Wynne and Simon Bell climb Torres Peak high above the Fox Glacier in Westland National Park. An account by Steve Dowall of their December 2014 adventures.
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.
Despite a wet forecast, Henrietta Haskell and six other candidates of the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award strive for Silver on the next level of their Adventurous Journey.
The autobiography of Kiwi Colin Putt, the leader of the first expedition to attempt Carstensz Pyramid, Sailor of replica 7th century canoes from Indonesia to Madagascar and Polar explorer.
Exploring tops in Lewis Pass National Reserve
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.
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.
A few keen Wellingtonians head on a windy winters walk to a lesser known corner of the proposed "Remarkables National Park"
‘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.
The first time I climbed a mountain covered in snow, I sure as heck didn’t know what I was doing.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is a great option for a multi-day tramping trip with a baby.
Ken MacIver relates the story and thinking behind his Back country decision-making checklist.
Only one hour from French Ridge Hut to Raspberry Creek?... Wasn't on foot, but it didn't involve any engines or motors...
What an absolute perfect winter's day in August, just after a fresh snowfall, spending time exploring the Hakatere Conservation 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.
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