Huntaneering: A sport where hunters arm themselves with an ice axe and crampons, as well as a rifle. With huntaneering on the rise and Hunny Puffs on the decline, Uncle Jacko delves into the demise of his once-favorite backcountry brekkie, the growing popularity of hunting whilst mountaineering and how a maunga can transcend cultural differences.
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.
Andy Carruthers and a group of friends embark on a trek to Everest Base Camp, capturing the spirit of their climb through poetry and film.
With recommendations from Alastair McDowell after his record-breaking climb of Mt Aspiring Tititea, Andy Carruthers and crew plan their own summit of this incredible maunga. Four days in Mt Aspiring National Park not only offer the team breathtaking views and a birthday bubbles celebration at the summit, but also key takeaways into how they could minimise 'the scary moments' and maximise safety and comfort the next time around.
Defined by its distinctive karst rock formations and sinkholes that remind trampers to guard each step, Mt Arthur lends itself to a photographer’s paradise. Documenting his trek to the peak with camera in tow, Peter Laurenson captures the maunga in all its glory.
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.
Climbing whilst capturing Aotearoa's natural beauty is second nature for adventure photographer, Peter Laurenson. In this photo essay, he traverses the Ruahine tops cradled between two rivers – Makaroro and Waipawa.
'Though plenty of inexperienced day walkers happily climb Taranaki, the mountain is still one of the most deadly in New Zealand. For many, the northern summer route is their surest way to safely experience climbing Taranaki.' Seasoned mountaineer, Peter Laurenson, provides foundational advice for minimising trouble and maximising fun on Mt Taranaki this summer.
“What may seem to be a safe situation is only one mis-step away from catastrophe.” In an alpine environment, even one small error can lead to a life or death situation. A false sense of security coupled with an unfortunate event results in a tragic outcome for one mountaineer on Mount Ruapehu.
What makes a suitable alpine leader and how do you identify these people in your club? New Zealand clubs have a proud tradition of passing on knowledge to newer members who later themselves become leaders. FMC provides a guide to identifying and supporting not only current alpine leaders, but a framework to raise up the next generation.
An overnight bivvy above the clouds sets the scene for a photographer's paradise, as Peter Laurenson heads south of Waipawa Saddle to Rangioteatua.
In his award winning book, climber and leading alpine photographer Gavin Lang, reveals his ascent to light and 24 New Zealand's highest mountains through authentic storytelling and heart-stopping photography.
Accomplished writer, climber and mountaineer Paul Hersey bares his climber's soul in this absorbing and honest book about the crux of climbing life: the contradiction of rich reward versus unimaginable loss.
“Was it fun?” After a six-day non-stop adventure race through the mountains around Mt Aspiring, Alastair McDowell ponders this question and asks himself, "Why do we do this to ourselves?" He shares a thought-provoking exploration into what calls mountaineers into the wild, what the experience is truly like, and how brushes with fatality are an ever present reminder of mortality.
Would you be prepared to make the same decision if you were alone? The impact of group dynamics, including polarisation and ‘risk-shift,’ can lead to life-threatening circumstances in the backcountry. Nick Plimmer examines a real-life situation where a party of four trudges on despite poor conditions, resulting in a 100 vertical metres fall into the plunge pool of a waterfall and an extremely close call.
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.
Uncle Jacko takes a deep dive into the past exploring what we learnt from the COVID-19 lockdowns and raising the question, "What do tourists really appreciate about New Zealand?" And as many trampers are well aware, the question of how much to pack is the perpetual challenge. Uncle Jacko tests out the idea of ‘going lightweight’ and discovers firsthand when lightweight crosses over into just not enough.
One of New Zealand's finest mountaineers of the modern age passes away in a fall during a descent towards Homer Saddle. In an examination into these tragic events, Johnny Mulheron and Nick Plimmer examine the safety measures taken and the coroner's recommendations, including a rare quote that he includes in his final report.
Based in Fiordland working as a stoat trapper, Tom #1 and his mate Tom #2 embark on a week-long backcountry exploration into the Glaisnock Wilderness Area.
After a close call occurs during a club outing, the North Otago Tramping and Mountaineering Club (NOTMC) recognises the need to offer winter skills training for its newer members. With support from a FMC Training Grant, they organise a backcountry training weekend with a well-respected mountaineering and ski touring guide.
While competing in her first ever GODZONE race, Crystal Brindle asks herself, “How much is too much?” Pushing further past her comfort zone than ever before, she reflects on the different ways we experience connection in the natural world during adventure racing and what makes these endeavors not only possible, but worthwhile.
With support from a FMC Training Grant, the Canterbury University Tramping Club (CUTC) gains essential, hands-on knowledge in avalanche safety and response.
After saying farewell to the Canadian Rockies, Alastair and Tim road trip to the Utah desert to climb Moab's lesser-known tower routes.
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.
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