August 2023 Perpetual Sun
What is it like to go alpine tramping in a land of perpetual sun? Uncle Jacko responds to readers' comments and recounts his unique experience of backcountry and hut life in Tromsø, Northern Norway.
adventure
Harriet Watson No Ordinary Woman
Harriet Watson is no ordinary woman. One might think she is a wonder woman! As a young woman suffering from endometriosis, she ran and cycled 650 km of the West Coast wilderness over eight days to raise awareness and funds to help those with the same condition. Her epic mission got captured on film, which was shown at this year's NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival.
Youth Tramping Accessible to All
“For a group of neuro-diverse students, the biggest challenge can be getting the opportunity to take part in outdoor adventures.” After five years in the making, nine neuro-diverse students from Wellington East Girls’ College head off for their biggest adventure yet – a six-day ski and snowshoeing trip to the Cardrona Valley. Unit Leader, Leonie King, shines light on the students’ barriers to entry and the preparation required to complete their Gold DOE's Hillary Award.
Mt Taranaki The Busy Lizard
'Though plenty of inexperienced day walkers happily climb Taranaki, the mountain is still one of the most deadly in New Zealand. For many, the northern summer route is their surest way to safely experience climbing Taranaki.' Seasoned mountaineer, Peter Laurenson, provides foundational advice for minimising trouble and maximising fun on Mt Taranaki this summer.
Youth Award Grant Starting From Scratch
No ride, no problem. FMC Youth Award Grant recipient, Tara Isaacs, organises her own DOE Gold Qualifier from the ground up. Starting without a team, a shadower or a ride, she compiles a crew and all the components necessary to cross off one of her 'bucket list tramps' – the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk.
November 2022 Absent Friends
Uncle Jacko offers creative solutions for mending those pesky puffer jacket tears, shares how to calculate our carbon footprint and pays tribute to dear friends who have passed away.
Whitewater Rafting Paddling Between Giants
With an extensive background in tramping and mountaineering, photographer Peter Laurenson explores the advantages offered by whitewater rafting and journeys along the iconic Waiau Toa/Clarence River from Acheron to the sea.
Youth Award Grant The Kayak Kapers
For their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Qualifying Journey, Emiliana and her team opt for an alternative mode of backcountry travel – kayaking. Dubbed the Kayak Kapers, this team of twenty-four students (over half of whom had never kayaked) bravely took up their paddles and developed new skills during a multi-day exploration of the Marlborough Sounds.
Ruahine Tops Two More 1,700 Metre Points
An overnight bivvy above the clouds sets the scene for a photographer's paradise, as Peter Laurenson heads south of Waipawa Saddle to Rangioteatua.
Youth Award Grant Tackling the Tongariro
Over the April school holidays, six students set off to complete their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Adventurous Journey in Tongariro National Park. Demonstrating excellent planning for their tramp, the group successfully navigates all the challenges thrown their way and completes a trip of a lifetime.
Climbing Seeking the Light
In his award winning book, climber and leading alpine photographer Gavin Lang, reveals his ascent to light and 24 New Zealand's highest mountains through authentic storytelling and heart-stopping photography.
Mike Dawson Interview With a New Zealand Olympian
What do the Indus and Keve rivers have in common? Mike Dawson, former New Zealand Olympian in whitewater slalom and expedition kayaker, reveals his all-time favourite rivers, the biggest threats to river access and how whitewater kayaking is like solving a puzzle.
Climbing The Cold Inside
Accomplished writer, climber and mountaineer Paul Hersey bares his climber's soul in this absorbing and honest book about the crux of climbing life: the contradiction of rich reward versus unimaginable loss.
Meet Your New President Morning Coffee With Megan
“It's gonna be a wild ride!” said Megan, laughing, when asked about the work of Federated Mountain Clubs for the next presidential year.
Shannon Mast Paddler of the Year 2022, Whitewater NZ
"There is just a whole lotta love in kayaking here in New Zealand, for the rivers and each other." Shannon Mast was unanimously voted as Paddler of the Year 2022, at Whitewater New Zealand’s AGM. In this interview, Justin Venable dives into what makes Shannon passionate about whitewater kayaking and New Zealand rivers.
Youth Award Grant Teamwork on the Tongariro Northern Circuit
"Journey – a long and often difficult process of personal change and development." For these four FMC Youth Award Grant recipients, they draw upon their strengths and honestly address their shortcomings to come together as a team to support one another, as well as look after fellow trampers on the Tongariro Crossing Northern Circuit.
Fastpacking Traversing the Richmond Range High Ridge From Mt Riley to Red Hills
"You know you have taken on a good adventure when you have butterflies in your tummy." Feeling ready to tackle another ambitious mission, Andy and his two mates attempt to fastpack the Richmond Range High Ridge in 45 hours over four days.
Mountain Adventure Joy Amidst Suffering
“Was it fun?” After a six-day non-stop adventure race through the mountains around Mt Aspiring, Alastair McDowell ponders this question and asks himself, "Why do we do this to ourselves?" He shares a thought-provoking exploration into what calls mountaineers into the wild, what the experience is truly like, and how brushes with fatality are an ever present reminder of mortality.
Youth Award Grant Te Whare Tapa Whā
Examining their Gold qualifying tramp through the lens of Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four dimensions of wellbeing), Alicia and Sophie reflect on the significant challenges they faced on the Rees-Dart Track and what strategies helped encourage them to continue.
June 2021 Dunning-Kruger Effect
How does the Dunning-Kruger effect impact the way we estimate our competency in the outdoors? Uncle Jacko delves into how this effect has both a negative and positive influence on our backcountry experience. He also discusses navigation and communication in the backcountry – S122, ham radio gear and SOTA, for those amateur radio operators who love the outdoors.
Mountain Adventure Fastpacking From Lewis Pass to St Arnaud
Through the wild and remote Matakitaki region to the well-trafficked and sociable valleys of Nelson Lakes, Alastair McDowell takes the reader on a visual journey of his fastpacking mission in photo essay form.
Youth Award Grant Winter Wonderland on the Ruahines
Freezing temperatures bring unexpected challenges to a group of Duke of Edinburgh Silver qualifiers on the Ruahines. But through it all, they embrace the magic of a winter wonderland tramp surrounded by snow and icicles and demonstrate what is to be a good hut steward.
Kahurangi National Park Walking The Dragons Teeth High Route
After planning their tramp over two years ago, Andy and his mates finally embark on the backcountry trip they've been waiting for – Dragons Teeth in Kahurangi National Park.
Youth Award Grant Second Chance Success
A second attempt and an alternative route pays off for these four Duke of Edinburgh qualifiers. After a flooded track and health problems forces the group to turn back on their first try, they persevere and successfully complete their next tramp with lots of fun and skill building along the way.
