Video Paddling the Harrison River: Part I
Oddly for these three mates, the depths of the southern winter seem to inspire thoughts of overnight whitewater missions. And this year was no different . . .
August 2021 Tramping Politicians
Uncle Jacko expresses his deep gratitude for the New Zealand politicians who have prioritised conservation, encourages more politicians to get out tramping, and shares some hard-earned knowledge about preparation in the case of medical evacuation.
Youth Award Grant Winter Tramping Along the Two Thumbs Range
Winter tramping and a roughly polled track presents these FMC Youth Award Grant recipients with new challenges, as they complete their Duke of Edinburgh Gold tramp along the Two Thumbs range from Mesopotamia to Tekapo in four days.
March 2022 Quicksand, Campfire Cuisine and a Gang of Hooligan Keas
Uncle Jacko encounters a gang of hooligan keas on the Cascade Saddle and shares how packrafts have improved since his DIY raft from the 90s, the best recipe for fine campfire cuisine and the real danger of quicksand in the Dart River.
Survivor Story Scree Slope Crossing
Halfway through their Lewis Pass to Nelson Lakes tramp, an experienced tramper tumbles 25 metres down a scree slope on Thompson Pass. Due to the skilled response by his party and the helicopter rescue team, the tramper is successfully evacuated. The team reflects on lessons from their ordeal and Johnny Mulheron shares essential, lifesaving tips for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whitewater Kayaking Top Choices for Whitewater Huts
After asking paddlers from Whitewater New Zealand about their favourite huts for whitewater kayaking, Shaun Barnett shares their top choices along with a few of his own.
Youth Award Grant Party of Five on the Kepler Track
As a Youth Award Grant recipient, Harri Pickett embarks on a snowy Kepler Track and faces the tough decision to turn around when conditions become unsafe.
Video Paddling the Albert Burn
Three mates enjoy a wonderful day out, exploring a beckoning gorge amongst the incomparable Otago Alps. No helicopters needed for these guys, as they commit to a walk-in mission on the lower gorge of the Albert Burn, Lake Wānaka, Aotearoa New Zealand. Paddlers: Ewen Rodway, Michael McDonald, Ruari Macfarlane. Film by Ewen Rodway [...]
March 2019 Toilets, Tourism and Transport Noise
Have you ever wondered what costs and resources are required for a backcountry toilet? Uncle Jacko talks toilets, tourism and transport noise, as he shares the calculation for Mr. Erlang’s queuing formulae, the challenge of toilets at high altitude, and DOC's concept of a Tranquillity Map in managing aircraft noise.
Cascade Saddle A Tale of Two Valleys
Four days, two valleys, and one spectacular peak – the Moa Hunters delve deep into Mount Aspiring National Park and take on the Cascade Saddle.
Volunteering Revegetation of a Club-Owned Pine Forest in Natives
When a friend of the early Otago Tramping Club (now OTMC) gifted them a large block of land in 1930, it came with one requirement: protect and preserve the skyline hills as an asset for future trampers and walkers of Dunedin.
Equipment Failure Ski Mountaineering and High Consequence Fall
After successfully skiing the entire east face of Aoraki/Mt Cook, an accomplished backcountry skier attempts the Caroline Face and tragically passes away after an equipment failure. Matteo Scoz offers tips on gear checks and how to properly transition between modes of travel to avoid disastrous consequences.
Backcountry te reo Whanganui Te Awa Tupua
‘Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au.’ The Whanganui River was accorded the status of legal personhood in 2017. Kathy Ombler shares the history of struggle that led to this point, as well as the significance, values and framework behind Te Awa Tupua.
North America Climbing Moab’s Classic Desert Towers
After saying farewell to the Canadian Rockies, Alastair and Tim road trip to the Utah desert to climb Moab's lesser-known tower routes.
What I Did Find Darkness and Light in the Olivines
After receiving the tragic news that her partner Lochie is missing, Tara pauses their plans to traverse along the Southern Alps from Cape Farewell to Fiordland to help with his search. When the search is called off, she makes the heavy-hearted decision to continue with the trip. Tara recounts the final leg of her journey as a Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship recipient – a solo trek across the Olivine Ice Plateau towards Red Mountain and down to the ocean at Big Bay.
Historical A 1927’s Perspective on Backcountry Accidents
In this historical news article from 1927, an Evening Post journalist examines the recent rise in mountaineering and river-work accidents and the personal stories behind them.
Volunteering The How and Why of Becoming a Pest Trapper
What does volunteering as a pest trapper look like? Myrthe Braam shares what inspired her to start trapping and how her involvement with trapping has changed over the last four years, as well as offers specific tips on how you can get involved too.
Mountaineer's Dilemma Club Trip to Pioneer Hut
Eight days and multiple peaks make for another epic adventure with friends. Rob Hawes leads a party of six climbing from Pioneer Hut, high above Fox Glacier in Westland National Park. With volatile weather conditions, they face the tough decision to continue on or turn back from summiting Mt Tasman, New Zealand's second highest peak.
Safety Backcountry First Aid
Don't get caught unprepared in the backcountry. Johnny Mulheron, Backcountry Accident Columnist, offers advice about what to take to the hills in your first aid kit.
The Moa Hunters Pea Soup and Brown-Trousers Pass
Three moa hunters embark on a true classic: 'The Three Passes' – Harman, Whitehorn and Browning. With thick cloud and minimal visibility, they learn the shortcomings of relying solely on their sense of direction and find newfound appreciation for the compass.
Mountain Adventure The Couloir of All Couloirs
With winter in full swing, Alastair and mates seek out a new challenge – a summit of Couloir Peak in the Arrowsmith Range.
Volunteering for Biodiversity How I Became a Trapper
While trapping began as a way for Marcia to bond with her teenager daughter, it evolves into her own personal project. In this honest account of what it takes to be a trapper, Marcia pushes past her comfort zone to overcome challenges and develop backcountry skills.
Youth Award Grant Crossing the Tararuas
A crew of Silver Duke of Edinburgh qualifying students comes prepared with a contingency plan for every weather scenario, as they embark on the Tararuas and experience many of the elements that an alpine climate has to offer.
Volunteering for Biodiversity Is it Just Giving Back?
While volunteering in conservation requires a generous sacrifice of time and effort, Tony Walton of the Auckland Tramping Club shifts the perspective from ‘giving back’ to ‘receiving back’ and shares the many rewards he has gained from his time as a volunteer.
