Spine of the Fish Days 50 and 51: Special K and a zero day
Leaving the Kaimai for the Coromandel and new totally new territory.
Spine of the Fish Day 49: cruise control
A day when taking it easy and enjoying the scenery is the only thing to do
Spine of the Fish Day 48: away from the maddening crowds
The Kaimai Ridgeway track almost gets a little bit crowded.
Spine of the Fish Day 47: an evening with Mike
A short day is needed after the long wet slog of the day before.
Climbing Among Secret Beauties
A Memoir of Mountaineering in New Zealand and the Himalaya
Spine of the Fish Day 46: Mud. Mud. Inglorious mud.
A long and soggy day in the Kaimai Range.
Trail Running Kaweka Mountain Marathon
The late Tony Gates shares some stories about the Kaweka Mountain Marathon.
Spine of the Fish Day 45: getting back to business
After several days in limbo Fiona and Anthony make their way into the Kaimai
Judgement Avalanche Awareness in the New Zealand Backcountry
Do you have New Zealand's 'go-to' book on avalanches on your bookshelf?
Spine of the Fish Days 39-44: don’t fight it Marsha, it’s bigger than both of us…
Floods and the threat of another cyclone mean a rethink of plans.
Spine of the Fish Day 38 – trekus interuptus
Sometimes a chance meeting can change everything.
Access Kaimanawa Ranges Access
In 2014 FMC Executive member Barbara Morris negotiated access through the East Taupo Lands for FMC Club Members and Supporters, read more...
Spine of the Fish Day 37 – a spot of glamping
A short day of tramping comes to an innovative end...
Mahi Preserving the Huts: A Backcountry Partnership
Geoff Spearpoint and Rob Brown provide the vision for a future backcountry partnership between the outdoors community and the Department of Conservation
Spine of the Fish Day 36: bought to you by Tasti Bars
Will recent storm damage throw another spanner in our works?
History Lost Gold
Arnold Heine reviews Paul Bensemann's story of the long search for a lost gold reef in the Tasman Wilderness Area.
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."
Spine of the Fish Day 35: best laid plans..
After a good start, Fiona worries about what lies ahead as we leave Taupo...
Spine of the Fish Days 33 & 34: hanging out with the tourists
Sometimes a listicle is all that's needed for an accurate portrayal of life.
Opus New Zealand’s Wilderness Heritage
The first book you should read for an introduction to New Zealand's wildlands and their conservation
The FMC Backcountry Accidents Column
Much can be learnt from careful analysis of Backcountry Accidents. Shaun Barnett details the history and thinking of the FMC Backcountry Accidents column.
Spine of the Fish Day 32: the quest for civilisation
With food running low and heavy rain forecast the pressure is on to get to Taupo.
