Back to the Wild Winter Hiking with Babies and Toddlers
With winter in full swing, Sonia Barrish offers practical and insightful tips for winter hiking with a little one.
Backcountry
A new normal Solo Tramping
In light of social distancing restrictions, Sarah Tiong gives solo tramping a try. She discovers not only the benefits of going at her own pace, but how rewarding it can be to 'leave the psychological security of safety in numbers.'
Two Peaks Barff, Dragonfly and the FOMO
Rob Hawes, Lorraine Johns, and Simon Bell climb two peaks during one long Wanaka weekend. In Rob’s account, he shares how Simon’s FOMO guaranteed that he didn't miss out on an epic climb.
November 2017 The Importance of Tea
Uncle Jacko poses a controversial question: which is the best tea to take along tramping? In his column from November 2017, Uncle Jacko reveals his love of Assam tea and emphasises the value of learning from one another in the backcountry.
Forgotten Lands Gwavas Conservation Area
Covering 2,700 hectares of the Wakarara range in Central Hawkes Bay, the Gwavas Conservation Area has been awaiting reclassification since DOC's early days. John Beech, General Committee Member for the Manawatu Tramping and Skiing Club, offers insight into this region's battle for reclassification and greater land protection.
November 2013 Whakawhanaungatanga
Uncle Jacko shares one of his joys in life: finding new words and ideas. In this edition of his Cookery Corner, Uncle Jacko passes on the meaning of the Maori word "Whakawhanaungatanga," as well as teaches us about the real value of calories in the backcountry and what's inside "The Dangerous Book for Grown-up Boys."
Youth Award Grant Highlights from Lake Waikaremoana
Five students from St. Matthew’s College and qualifiers for the Duke of Edinborough’s Hillary Award Gold share highlights from tramping the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk — a 46 kilometre track in Te Urewera, the homeland of the Tūhoe people.
Back to the Wild St James Walkway – with a Baby!
When Sonia Barrish and partner take their 1-year old daughter on her first multi-day hike, they came prepared with everything she might need. What they didn't prepare for, however, was Sonia becoming injured. In this edition of 'Back to the Wild,' their family learns the importance of carrying a Personal Locator Beacon in the backcountry.
Forgotten Lands Mavora and Livingstone Ranges, Southland
Why is land classification important? What are the consequences of classifying an area as a stewardship land as opposed to a national park? FMC Executive Crystal Brindle explains how classification works and champions for the Mavora Lakes Conservation Area and Livingstone Mountains to be awarded the highest tier of protection.
November 2015 Little Orange Track Markers
In this edition of Uncle Jacko’s Cookery Corner (originally featured in the November 2015 FMC Bulletin), Uncle Jacko covers a wide range of topics from DOC's orange track markers to the 421 different Scottish words for snow.
Forgotten Lands Karst around the Four Mile River West Coast
Featured in Backcountry Magazine's "Forgotten Lands" edition (November 2019), FMC Executive Neil Silverwood explores the unique limestone region around the Four Mile River West Coast and explains why this remarkable land deserves higher protection.
Youth Award Grant Matemateonga Wahine
‘Five tough wahine’ from Northland come full circle. No longer 'wee little Bronzies,' they complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award with a journey that incorporates the area they visited when they first began their DOE Adventurous Journey.
Motu Trails Seven Valuable Lessons I Learned During my First Bikepacking Trip
Myrthe Braam embarks on her first bikepacking adventure to ride the Motu Trails and shares seven valuable lessons she learns along the way.
Canyoning The history and mystery of Holts Creek
For 110 years an ancient tunnel lay hidden in the Otira wilderness... Nola, James and Grant did their homework, put in the time for preparation and were rewarded with the first descent of an excellent canyon.
Good reads The hut library
In the hills there's always the time, and usually the material, to catch up on a little light reading.
Survivor story Lucky Escape on Zit Saddle
Nick Plimmer reports on a mis-adventure that occured on Zit Saddle between the Toaroha and Kokatahi valleys. The two trampers survived, but there was much to be learnt from their experience.
Tramping Safe Travelling in the Sub-Alpine Zone
Are you heading beyond the bushline? In Aotearoa New Zealand, the 'death zone' occurs at the subalpine zone around 1200 and 1500 metres and poses many dangers. Johnny Mulheron, FMC Backcountry Accident Columnist, shares what you need to know, and practice, to travel competently at this altitude.
