The mental game PTSD and the Healing Power of Nature
Living with post-traumatic stress disorder is a bit like living with a brain that's constantly on the lookout for invisible Sabre tooth tigers.
Rescue Cheeky Keas, I Reckon
Chris Sommer and his new climbing mate take on Friday’s Fool – a 200 meter mixed (rock and ice) route at the heart of the Remarkables range. After their rope gets mysteriously cut, the pair face a life or death situation resulting in a Search and Rescue evacuation.
August 2008 Starving Donkey Syndrome
How do you choose where to tramp when you have TOO many good choices? In what he calls the 'Starving Donkey Syndrome,' Uncle Jacko discusses the challenges of having the privilege to choose, as well as DIY maps and the best, easy meals to prepare on a tramp.
Rolleston Range Turret Peak
A fun, sociable weekend as Nina Dickerhof, Rob Munro, James Thornton, and Simon Bell visit the Rolleston Range at the head of Lake Coleridge and climb Turret Peak. This is Simon’s account of the trip, which was previously published in NZAC’s 'Vertigo.'
Our first tramp Anxious and overloaded
I started my first overnight tramp anxious and overloaded, just me with my little Miss Four in tow.
Microventures Follow the Leader
Anthony Behrens and Fiona Burleigh leave the safety of their couch for a lockdown micro-adventure. Hold on to your hats...it gets pretty real!
Mid-Winter Adventure Top Hut Winter Trip
When it comes to winter tramping, it is especially important to remain flexible when planning dates and routes. Myrthe and her mates find a window of good weather and set out on a weekend mission to Top Hut in Oteake Conservation Park.
Ski Touring Mt Stephenson Traverse with E-Bike Access, Gammack Range
With our snowlines edging upward and helicopter access carbon adding to the problem, using an e-bike (where permitted and practical) is a good solution for access to slightly more remote ski tours. James Shoshoni and his mates have a successful go at e-bike ski touring and traverse fresh powder on Mt Stephenson.
November 2009 Uncle Jacko Gets the Last Word
Uncle Jacko reveals Darwin's lesser known law, 'Survival of the Unfittest,' and takes the opportunity to have the last word in a hut debate.
Fastpacking Travers Sabine Circuit plus Blue Lake Nelson Lakes
After being on his bucket list for 3 years, Andy and his crew finally make it back to Lake Rotomairewhenua (Blue Lake) in the Nelson Lakes National Park, where they fastpack the Travers Sabine Circuit with a side trip to Blue Lake -- all with the goal of keeping their tramping time within 22 hours.
The Gardens Newton Peak
Climbing in the Garden of Allah, Adams Wilderness Area on a FMC Youth Expedition Scholarship trip.
Volunteering Getting More Than You Give
'There always seems to be more to gain no matter how much you give.' Guided by this philosophy, Cath and her partner become active volunteers in the trapping community in Southland. After relocating to Central Otago, the pair are introduced to a new landscape, as well as the wildlife and pest diversity that comes along with it.
Youth Award Grant Stewart Island
Well known for being one of the muddiest tramps, Brianna Loan learns firsthand the frustration (and fun) of being stuck in the mud with mates. As a recipient of the FMC Youth Award Grant, she and her team share laughs, forge friendships, and together face a crucial safety decision when the weather turns.
About us Healing From Trauma on Te Araroa
The backstory on why we're going for a rather long walk, and why we're asking for your help!
Survivor story Escape from Mt Whitcombe
On day 3 of an 8 day trip, an unexpected weather bomb forces four mountaineers to make the critical decision to abandon camp in horrendous conditions.
Backcountry te reo Ngā awa me ngā manga
Ngā mihi anō ki a koutou, e whai ana te maramatanga o te reo Māori! In our te reo column from Backcountry Magazine, we explore some of the language associated with rivers and streams.
Youth Award Grant Queen Charlotte Track
For her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition, student Veronica Amey and mates tramp, bike, and kayak the Queen Charlotte Track, where they discover the magic and beauty of exploring their own country.
Mountain Adventure Macpherson – Talbot Traverse, Darran Mountains, Fiordland
What he deems as 'one of the best alpine day trips in New Zealand,' Alastair McDowell makes his annual pilgrimage to the Darran Mountains in Fiordland and creates video footage of his climbs.
March 2014 What Comes Around
Uncle Jacko discloses his favourite YouTube videos ranging from 'cooking eggs and bacon in a paper bag' to 'ice axe self-arrest,' as well as shares a heartwarming story about the benefits of hospitality.
Fastpacking Nelson Lakes: 5 Passes D’Urville to St Arnaud
How long does it take to trek 120km? Andy Carruthers and his mates complete their next fastpacking mission: Nelson Lakes, 5 passes D’Urville to St Arnaud in 31 hours over 3 days. With a bit of scree surfing, fresh bread and regular dips in the lake, it's nothing the trio can't handle.
June 2017 Applied Tramping
What is 'applied tramping?' Esther Pothuis, from Holland, joins the Palmerston North Tramping & Mountaineering Club and discovers a new way of hiking in the Ruahine’s Pohangina River.
Preparation Stuck at the last creek – a trip up the Taipo
If you always bring a tent, even a flooded river won't take away the fun of a weekend in the mountains.
Living the Dream Life in Wanaka
Simon Bell travels to Wanaka to become a full-time climber. His family recalls the special time they time spent together and Simon's mission to climb as many Great Peaks as possible.
Thrash it Ultralight vs Fiordland
Jamie McAulay tries to shred a new Kiwi brand of ultralight pack.
