Cascade Saddle A Tale of Two Valleys
Four days, two valleys, and one spectacular peak – the Moa Hunters delve deep into Mount Aspiring National Park and take on the Cascade Saddle.
Backcountry
Volunteering Revegetation of a Club-Owned Pine Forest in Natives
When a friend of the early Otago Tramping Club (now OTMC) gifted them a large block of land in 1930, it came with one requirement: protect and preserve the skyline hills as an asset for future trampers and walkers of Dunedin.
Equipment Failure Ski Mountaineering and High Consequence Fall
After successfully skiing the entire east face of Aoraki/Mt Cook, an accomplished backcountry skier attempts the Caroline Face and tragically passes away after an equipment failure. Matteo Scoz offers tips on gear checks and how to properly transition between modes of travel to avoid disastrous consequences.
Backcountry te reo Whanganui Te Awa Tupua
‘Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au.’ The Whanganui River was accorded the status of legal personhood in 2017. Kathy Ombler shares the history of struggle that led to this point, as well as the significance, values and framework behind Te Awa Tupua.
North America Climbing Moab’s Classic Desert Towers
After saying farewell to the Canadian Rockies, Alastair and Tim road trip to the Utah desert to climb Moab's lesser-known tower routes.
What I Did Find Darkness and Light in the Olivines
After receiving the tragic news that her partner Lochie is missing, Tara pauses their plans to traverse along the Southern Alps from Cape Farewell to Fiordland to help with his search. When the search is called off, she makes the heavy-hearted decision to continue with the trip. Tara recounts the final leg of her journey as a Simon Bell Memorial Scholarship recipient – a solo trek across the Olivine Ice Plateau towards Red Mountain and down to the ocean at Big Bay.
Historical A 1927’s Perspective on Backcountry Accidents
In this historical news article from 1927, an Evening Post journalist examines the recent rise in mountaineering and river-work accidents and the personal stories behind them.
Volunteering The How and Why of Becoming a Pest Trapper
What does volunteering as a pest trapper look like? Myrthe Braam shares what inspired her to start trapping and how her involvement with trapping has changed over the last four years, as well as offers specific tips on how you can get involved too.
Mountaineer's Dilemma Club Trip to Pioneer Hut
Eight days and multiple peaks make for another epic adventure with friends. Rob Hawes leads a party of six climbing from Pioneer Hut, high above Fox Glacier in Westland National Park. With volatile weather conditions, they face the tough decision to continue on or turn back from summiting Mt Tasman, New Zealand's second highest peak.
Safety Backcountry First Aid
Don't get caught unprepared in the backcountry. Johnny Mulheron, Backcountry Accident Columnist, offers advice about what to take to the hills in your first aid kit.
The Moa Hunters Pea Soup and Brown-Trousers Pass
Three moa hunters embark on a true classic: 'The Three Passes' – Harman, Whitehorn and Browning. With thick cloud and minimal visibility, they learn the shortcomings of relying solely on their sense of direction and find newfound appreciation for the compass.
Mountain Adventure The Couloir of All Couloirs
With winter in full swing, Alastair and mates seek out a new challenge – a summit of Couloir Peak in the Arrowsmith Range.
Volunteering for Biodiversity How I Became a Trapper
While trapping began as a way for Marcia to bond with her teenager daughter, it evolves into her own personal project. In this honest account of what it takes to be a trapper, Marcia pushes past her comfort zone to overcome challenges and develop backcountry skills.
Youth Award Grant Crossing the Tararuas
A crew of Silver Duke of Edinburgh qualifying students comes prepared with a contingency plan for every weather scenario, as they embark on the Tararuas and experience many of the elements that an alpine climate has to offer.
Volunteering for Biodiversity Is it Just Giving Back?
While volunteering in conservation requires a generous sacrifice of time and effort, Tony Walton of the Auckland Tramping Club shifts the perspective from ‘giving back’ to ‘receiving back’ and shares the many rewards he has gained from his time as a volunteer.
Packrafting Kaimanawa Kaweka Traverse
"There were so many sets of rapids – it was like being at the water park with a fast pass to the best ride." Andy and his mates make the call to delay their second attempt of the Dragon's Tooth route in Kahurangi National Park, opting instead for the Kaimanawa Kaweka traverse and packrafting down the Mohaka River.
Te Araroa A Heartfelt Thank You
FMC extends a heartfelt thank you to Victoria and Emilie for their generous support and service as ambassadors for FMC’s kaupapa, as well as celebrates their impressive achievement – walking 2,200km over six months along Te Araroa.
The Moa Hunters On Top of the World
A second attempt at conquering the 2885m Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku reunites the Moa Hunters, a group of simple blokes with a simple goal: find a moa.
River Crossing A Casualty on Cascade Saddle
A young, solo tramper attempts to cross the Cascade Saddle during heavy rainfall and tragically drowns. Johnny Mulheron reminds us of the dangers posed by crossing flooded streams and how best to make an informed decision when crossing.
Youth Award Grant A Multi-Sport Mashup
Despite high river levels cancelling their canoeing trip, this adventurous group of DOE Gold qualifiers bring a whole new meaning to 'carpe diem.' With their extra time, they tackle whitewater rafting, rock climbing and canyoning, even climbing Mount Ruapehu with ice axes.
Merrivale to Bluff On the Home Stretch
Over six months and 3,000 kilometres later, this incredible mother-daughter team crosses the finish line into Bluff and completes Te Araroa. While ending this epic journey and rejoining civilisation may be bittersweet, Emilie reminds us that they have many more adventures ahead . . .
Te Anau/Princhester Hut to Merrivale The Bush Baby
Refreshed and ready for action, Victoria and Emilie return to the Trail to tackle the second-to-last leg of their journey – the Takitimu Mountains in the Southland region.
Mountain Adventure Packrafting the Tasman and Jollie Rivers
Fascinated and frightened by the thought of whitewater kayaking, Alastair McDowell embraces his fears (and excitement) to join his mates on a weekend packrafting trip in Mt Cook. After his partner's paddle breaks, Alastair gets thrown in at the deep end and learns the art of navigation.
Arrowtown to Te Anau When the Going Gets Tough
A concussion en route to Queenstown requires Victoria and Emilie to take a brief hiatus from the Trail. With morale and motivation running low, Victoria finds encouragement in the kindness of friends and makes the decision to continue the trek onto Te Anau.
