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.
Timeline Wilderness Protection
Good things take time, especially wilderness protection. Shaun Barnett outlines the journey of New Zealand's wilderness protection.
Heavy rain A Milford Track drowning
Tramping New Zealand's Great Walks off-season requires a range of backcountry skills.
Spine of the Fish Day 31: A quick trip through the Kaimanawa
The food and energy get low as Oamaru Hut and bad weather near.
Club Rangiora Tramping Club
The Rangiora Tramping Club is a very family-friendly club, with a reputation for openly welcoming and including new people.
Spine of the Fish Day 30: Forest Park or Holiday Park?
We leave one superb hut for another...and another...
Spine of the Fish Day 29: we love the roar!
Fi and Anthony finally admit to themselves that they’ve become hut rats.
Spine of the Fish Day 28: back on the tops again
A perfect day for travel dawned so we took the high route.
Spine of the Fish Day 27: Making a Run For It
A desperate situation requires a desperate solution.
Spine of the Fish Day 26: nothing’s gonna happen
'What? Another zero day? You gotta be kidding me!'
Spine of the Fish Day 25: leaving paradise
We near the end of the Ruahine Range and things get unpleasant.
Spine of the Fish Day 24: a day in the mist
'move along you two, there's nothing to see here...'
Spine of the Fish Day 23: are we just getting lazy?
The weather forces another zero day on us. Damn!
Guidebook Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike Rides
Mountain-biking has come a long way since the first edition of Classic New Zealand Mountain Bike rides in 1991.
Spine of the Fish Day 22: we get a surprise visit
You never know what is around the corner...or down the hill.
Tragedy Tears on Taranaki
What lessons can be taken away from the 2013 Mt Taranaki tragedy? Nick Plimmer considers the unfortunate events.
Spine of the Fish Day 21: a way with a fairy
Just because it's a short day doesn't mean it's going to be an easy day.
