Stodys Hut to Arrowtown A Climb Through History
After reaching Lake Hawea, Victoria and Emilie take on a challenging alpine trek through the historic Motatapu Track, traversing beech forest, tussocks, and sub-alpine scenery.
Backcountry hut
Backcountry Magazine Sustainable in Print?
In light of climate change, have you ever wondered why FMC continues to print its Backcountry magazine? Backcountry editor, Peter Laurenson, shares FMC's reasons behind the printed version, the steps taken to align with its values of stewardship and environmental protection, and the future of this classic publication.
Lake Tekapo to Stodys Hut Glacial Lakes and Braided Rivers
Gale force winds strong enough to carry a pack, a crossing of the largest unbridged river on the Trail, and the chance to use a nursing degree? It's just another week in the life of these two Te Araroa trampers.
Double Hut to Lake Tekapo 100 Days on the Trail
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.
Arthur’s Pass to Double Hut Of Mice and Matagouri
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.
Deception to Mingha Spotting Whio and Kea
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.’
Boyle Village to Otira River Crossing Crossing the Harper 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.
St Arnaud to Lake Constance Nelson Lakes
“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.
Rocks Hut to St Arnaud The Richmond Ranges
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.
Havelock to Rocks Hut A Backcountry Christmas
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.
Climbing Beyond the Clifftop Shelter
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.
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.
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 . . ."
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.
Ruapehu ‘Round the Mountain
Victoria and Emilie brave wild weather and snoring hut mates in their voyage 'round Mt Ruapehu.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
November 2018 Travelling on a Whim
'It’s always satisfying to make important decisions on a whim, because there can be no accounting for taste, no reason to justify and no explanation to satisfy.' Uncle Jacko reveals which of his trips were decided merely on a whim, as well as how he was talked out of travelling by donkey during his tramping adventures in France.
