Does increased mobile coverage through SpaceX and One NZ mean the end of backcountry solitude? Or will enhanced communication result in more lives saved when lost or injured? Outdoor education student and backcountry enthusiast, Josephine Tarasiewicz, explores these challenging questions as New Zealand stands at a pivotal point of connection.
With a forecast for horizontal snowfall, Peter Laurenson and Shaun Barnett step into a powdery paradise to capture proof that the Tararua Range has mountains too. Despite moments of crawling on hands and knees through thigh-deep snow, Peter uses his years of skilled camerawork to illustrate the magic (and reality) of winter tramping.
After nearly five years of striving to reach Ivory Lake Hut from multiple directions, she proves elusive for a tramping party of four. During one final push from the north, she grants entry and they experience a hard-won backcountry trip after three failed attempts and never giving up. Failure has its own rewards and for these keen trampers, their arrival is well worth the wait.
The S-K is an epic 80 kilometre north-to-south Tararua journey, traditionally completed in 48 hours or less. For Mark Wilcox and his wife, Sarah, the S-K route looks appealing but without the restrictive timeframe. So together, they decide to achieve a tops S-K their way – totaling 41 hours of tramping over seven days without injury and whilst still remaining friends.
Beautifully captured by photographer Peter Laurenson, an extended version of the Tararua Ranges' northern crossing brings a tops feast for Peter and his mate, Simon, and just the right amount of challenge for these two keen trampers.
FMC's executive board member Mick Abbott explores why our public huts matter and why we should all show them a bit of love this spring.
With an icy winter trek along the Kepler Track, five students from Otamatea High School are up for a challenge on their final DOE Gold Adventurous Journey. Embracing freezing temperatures, a cold plunge and learning techniques to escape when lost in a cave, one student declares: "This will definitely NOT be my last outdoor adventure!”
A tight-knit group of seven students and three dedicated teachers began tramping together four years ago. With support from the FMC Youth Award Grant, Briar Higgie and Kaelyn Swanson strengthen bonds with their tramping mates, not allowing sleepless nights from hut snoring or sandflies to dampen their epic tramp along the stunning Heaphy Track.
Thunder and lightning, sunshine, rain and even hail accompanies Bella and Egor's Duke of Edinburgh Gold Qualifier, pushing Egor to persevere through his fear of thunderstorms and even declare: "I have loved my Adventurous Journey, as it has opened up many wonderful New Zealand backcountry places that we have explored." As recipients of the FMC Youth Award Grant, Bella Allen and Egor Shefer reflect on their trip of a lifetime along the Heaphy Track.
Four hours to cover one kilometre . . . ? For Megan and a hardy group from the Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club (WTMC), an escape route provided by the '1996 Tararua Footprints Guide' offered refuge away from strong winds. However, an equally challenging battle ensued between tramper, scrub and river as the group navigated untracked leatherwood in the Tararua Forest Park.
Has your compass ever steered you in the wrong direction? In this UJCC, Uncle Jacko divulges what happens when one's faithful compass becomes an agent of chaos, how much water and electrolyte intake one really needs and some handy, DIY gear hacks for the backcountry.
Time for Gold! Zander Groenewald from Otamatea High School in Northland completes his Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition around Taranaki Maunga.
Aches and pains slowing you down in the backcountry? Uncle Jacko dives into the best options for pain relief, the ever so popular 'swamping' trek and the pleasures of poetry inspired by Aotearoa's landscapes.
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.
“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.
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.
What is a mountain Turk? Offering a world-class, alpine journey along the backbone of the Harris Mountains, Andy Carruthers and five mates test out Turk life by ski touring the Mahu Whenua Traverse.
"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.
Whether you're 'tramping,' 'hiking,' or 'rambling,' safety and preparation is key to preventing a backcountry trip from turning into a disaster. The Moa Hunters share a simple list of essential, must-have items to bring on all your backcountry trips.
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.
What better way to celebrate a wedding anniversary than by embarking on a family tramping adventure? On this occasion, a trek over the Kelly Range/Taipo River/Harman Pass tests skilled tramper and mum, Sonia Barrish, as she navigates slips and steep climbs on a four day, 51 kilometre tramp with her partner and 15-month old.
Marking the 25th anniversary of his column, Uncle Jacko reminisces about his days of tahr hunting, contemplates the old adage ‘pain is weakness leaving the body,’ and suggests a humorous solution for dealing with DOC’s silly signs.
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.
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.
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