After a forced rest day watching snowfall, Victoria and Emilie continue on their way and climb up to Stag Saddle, the highest point of Te Araroa at 1925m. Spurred on by grey clouds, they make it to Lake Tekapo, where the joy of having finished another section competes with the dread of having to re-enter society.
Making their way across Hakatere Conservation Park, Victoria and Emilie are welcomed by a cold South Island night and an unexpected memorial for a local hut mouse. With another front rolling in, they manage to get to Double Hut just before the snow falls.
After taking a short break with friends, Victoria and Emilie rejoin the Trail and have their first kea encounter. As the weather packs in, they hunker down to wait out the storm. Anxiety pays an unexpected visit and reminds Victoria that ‘just like the weather, this too shall pass.’
Crossing the Harper Pass, the wild west coast welcomes Victoria and Emilie as they bathe in its icy waters, explore its lush forests, and meander along its rocky riverbanks.
Celebrating their crossing of the Waiau Pass, Victoria reflects on her former fast-paced lifestyle and how truly precious it is to have this mummy daughter time in nature.
“I feel nutritionally deficient, my stomach a gnawing void after 60+ days of trail walking on meagre rations.” While made worth it by the stunning views and company of friends, Victoria faces the harsh reality of packing another 14 days worth of food and trying to keep a party of two nourished amidst long days of climbing in Nelson Lakes.
In this eventful portion of their trip, Emilie once again shows her bravery as she gets stung by a swarm of wasps and takes a serious tumble that requires Victoria to act fast. Amidst it all, this powerhouse team meets new friends and soaks up the magic and healing held within the Richmond Ranges.
Nothing like a pristine, bluebird day in the mountains to beckon all climbers. For Alastair McDowell and Hamish Cumming, it signals that it's finally time to tackle the intimidating northern side of the Mt Rolleston - the Otira Face.
Cleverly using sweaty socks as stockings, Santa drops off presents for Emilie as they celebrate a true backcountry Christmas. And for Victoria, the holiday season evokes some past reminders en route to the Richmond Ranges.
A spring climb of Ringatoto and the east ridge of Tahurangi reminds two experienced mountaineers, Peter Laurenson and Simon Williamson, that there is no room for complacency on the mountain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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
Victoria and Emilie brave wild weather and snoring hut mates in their voyage 'round Mt Ruapehu.
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.
From the freedom of Ninety Mile Beach to Level 3 lockdown, Te Araroa was already promising to be one crazy adventure.
'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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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