The Tops Three Saddles
"If snow is in condition, it’s a joy. When it’s not, it’s a torment." Peter Laurenson and his mates go off-trail in Nelson Lakes.
Camp Cove to Havelock Trail Parenting in the Marlborough Sounds
Victoria and Emilie continue to explore the many coves and beaches of the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Track, rediscovering the magic of low tide and nature's smallest sea creatures.
Ship's Cove to Camp Cove South Island Beginnings
Being the sole companion to a seven-year-old isn't always easy for either party. On the start of their South Island trek, Victoria faces some difficult memories from her past and contemplates how much life has changed since her corporate days.
Waikenae to Wellington Halfway Point
After 44 days of tramping in all weather conditions, Victoria and Emilie celebrate an epic milestone: the completion of the Te Araroa's North Island section.
Ball Pass Fire and Ice
The 'Big 50' inspires Andy to expand beyond fastpacking and tackle a new type of adventure -- ski touring. After taking an alpine skills course, he and his mates head to Ball Pass in Mount Aoraki.
Volunteering for Biodiversity Adopt a Plot
Do you want to take the next step in volunteering and make conservation a lifestyle? Mary Jowett shares how the 'Adopt a Plot' scheme allows volunteers to take ownership over a plot of land and save its native vegetation without the use of spray.
Makahika to Ōtaki The Mighty Tararua Range
"I am beginning to see the Trail not just as an act of physical capability, but one of mental fortitude. Endless days of physical discomfort have a way of breaking you down . . ."
Palmerston North to Makahika Exploring South Manawatu
An extra rest day replenishes this mummy daughter tramping team. After saying goodbye to new friends, they set off on the next stage of their Manawatu adventure while Victoria contemplates the shortcomings of 'thru-hiking.'
Ups and Downs My Black Dog
"I'm reflecting on how sometimes I feel my mental illness is due to a lack of mental fortitude, which is unfair given you wouldn't say a person with diabetes or high blood pressure could (or should) just think themselves better."
Mahi Aroha Restoring Stanfield Hut with the Backcountry Trust
Victoria and Emilie roll up their sleeves and help restore Stanfield Hut, giving back to the backcountry hut system that has sheltered them along the Te Araroa trail.
Whanganui to Whiowhio Hut Manawatu Wanderings
With pit stops along the way for homemade cake and ice cream, road walking has its perks. Mother and daughter duo, Victoria and Emilie, continue their journey along beaches and agricultural land, eventually reaching the famous Rescue orange Whiowhio Hut in Palmerston North.
National Park to Whanganui Our River Journey
The wettest part of Te Araroa is the paddle down the Whanganui: Victoria and Emilie enjoy the chance to rest their feet and stretch their paddling muscles
Ruapehu ‘Round the Mountain
Victoria and Emilie brave wild weather and snoring hut mates in their voyage 'round Mt Ruapehu.
The next generation Free mountain films for schools
Inspiring the next generation: FMC provides free mountain films for school students.
Whakapapiti Hut A Sense of Place
When weather causes plans to change, Victoria and Emilie venture on a side-trip towards Ruapehu. With only a short walk to Whakapapaiti Hut, Victoria takes the luxury of an afternoon to sit and ponder.
The Big Climb Ascent of Tititea Aspiring
A 19-person ascent of Mt Aspiring along with poor visibility? For these experienced mountaineers, it only adds to the thrill of a backcountry trip with good mates.
Volunteering for Biodiversity Arthur’s Pass Calling
Gerald Bruce-Smith reports on pest-busting in the South Island’s first national park, Arthur's Pass.
Taumaranui to National Park A Fresh Start
Mother and daughter team, Emilie and Victoria, make the jump from the freedom of Ninety Mile Beach to the rolling agriculture of Kings Country, continuing all the way to National Park.
November 2004 Walking Sticks and Post-Op Tramping
Uncle Jacko shares creative tips for tramping post-operation and dives into a discussion on tea bags, GPS boosters, and walking sticks.
Ahipara Lockdown
From the freedom of Ninety Mile Beach to Level 3 lockdown, Te Araroa was already promising to be one crazy adventure.
Family Bikepacking 300km with a Toddler
Travelling with a toddler always has its uncertainties. But travelling 300km by bike while towing a toddler is a next level adventure. For this brave family of three, the experience is even better than they imagined.
West Coast Gems On the Hunt for New Routes in the West Coast Wilderness
The allure of an unchartered climb is enough to entice climbers Jamie Macalister and Martin Johnson. As recipients of the FMC Youth Expedition Scholarship, they venture to scale the expansive, 300-metre-high face on Douglas Spur above the Paringa River.
Near-Miss How (Not) to Get into Canyoning
'We're cold, wet, tired and it's about to get dark. And we've still got that big abseil to go...' Safely home after her first foray into canyoning, Megan Sety and her team reflect on their type-2 adventure. They learn firsthand that while canyoning is an ideal sport for trampers and climbers to explore, it requires its own set of technical skills and expertise.
Mountain Adventure How to Go Fastpacking
'Every piece of gear that you bring needs to be examined and optimised. A ruthless and analytical attitude needs to be taken.' Breaking down each component to allow for the lightest and safest travel, Alastair delves into the nitty gritty of fastpacking.
