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.
climbing
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.
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.
Mountain Adventure Otira Face – Mt Rolleston
Nothing like a pristine, bluebird day in the mountains to beckon all climbers. For Alastair McDowell and Hamish Cumming, it signals that it's finally time to tackle the intimidating northern side of the Mt Rolleston - the Otira Face.
Survivor Story Stranded on Mt Hopeless
A lack of rope and soft snow pack forces two climbers to weigh their options: build a snow cave for the night or set up an emergency bivouac shelter and call for rescue.
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.
West Coast Gems On the Hunt for New Routes in the West Coast Wilderness
The allure of an unchartered climb is enough to entice climbers Jamie Macalister and Martin Johnson. As recipients of the FMC Youth Expedition Scholarship, they venture to scale the expansive, 300-metre-high face on Douglas Spur above the Paringa River.
Near-Miss How (Not) to Get into Canyoning
'We're cold, wet, tired and it's about to get dark. And we've still got that big abseil to go...' Safely home after her first foray into canyoning, Megan Sety and her team reflect on their type-2 adventure. They learn firsthand that while canyoning is an ideal sport for trampers and climbers to explore, it requires its own set of technical skills and expertise.
Rescue Cheeky Keas, I Reckon
Chris Sommer and his new climbing mate take on Friday’s Fool – a 200 meter mixed (rock and ice) route at the heart of the Remarkables range. After their rope gets mysteriously cut, the pair face a life or death situation resulting in a Search and Rescue evacuation.
Rolleston Range Turret Peak
A fun, sociable weekend as Nina Dickerhof, Rob Munro, James Thornton, and Simon Bell visit the Rolleston Range at the head of Lake Coleridge and climb Turret Peak. This is Simon’s account of the trip, which was previously published in NZAC’s 'Vertigo.'
Mountain Adventure Macpherson – Talbot Traverse, Darran Mountains, Fiordland
What he deems as 'one of the best alpine day trips in New Zealand,' Alastair McDowell makes his annual pilgrimage to the Darran Mountains in Fiordland and creates video footage of his climbs.
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.
Mountain Adventure Mount Cook Grand Traverse in a Day
After speed climbing in Europe, Alastair McDowell is inspired to try it again in New Zealand -- this time traversing the three peaks from the Hooker and returning via the Tasman for a total distance of 53km and 4000m of vertical gain, all in 24 hours.
Coronation and Irene Getting Scroggy With It
During a climbing trip in Fiordland, Tarsh and her mates attempt to tackle two peaks in one go, which leaves her 'wondering why she had to fall in love with such a precipitous corner of the world.'
Paradise Found The Gardens of Eden and Allah
Nine days in the wilderness. Sylvie Admore, Helen Liley, Sam Richardson, Björn Striebing and Stephen Waite (Auckland University Tramping Club) meet Simon and invite him along on their trip to the Adams Wilderness Area not long after being introduced. Helen and Sylvie recall their memories of Simon on a trip that he described as 'spontaneous and excellent'.
When the Mountains Say 'No' Te Puoho Glacier
Craving a backcountry adventure during lockdown, Penzy reminisces through photography and storytelling about a time when 'the mountains said no' -- in what became a trip that demanded creativity and perseverance in wild Fiordland.
Mountain Adventure Aoraki/Mt Cook via Sheila Face and Mt Tasman via Syme-Silberhorn
Alastair McDowell joins a mountaineering trip organised by the Canterbury Mountaineering Club. Using Empress Hut in Mount Cook/Aoraki as his base, he embarks on a weekend of icy adventure.
June 2013 Cheap Gear and the Capstan Equation
What is the Capstan Equation and how does it apply to rock climbing? In this edition of UJCC, Uncle Jacko gets technical, offering insight into why knots and belay devices work. He also discusses cheap gear and reveals how he decides between buying in-store versus online.
Mountain Adventure Mount Oates Traverse
Work could wait another day for Alastair and Elisha, as they decide to traverse Mount Oates in Arthur's Pass.
NZ Alpine Club Novara Peak
A lost booking, new washout, and a summer sleeping bag in alpine conditions...? Despite a very cold night and some unexpected terrain, Penzy Dinsdale completes her first and much anticipated mountaineering trip with the NZ Alpine Club.
Tararua Tramping Club Rolleston via the Rome Ridge
Once just a dream, climbing Mt Rolleston via the Rome Ridge now becomes a reality for Simon Bell, but it proves to be trickier than expected. Accompanied by fellow climbers Rob Hawes, Stu Hutson, and Daniel Rogerson, this account was written by Simon for The Tararua Tramper (Vol.83, No. 7) and followed by Daniel’s reflections on the trip.
August 2013 Interesting Outdoor Mathematics
How do you measure the height of a bridge when alone in the backcountry? Uncle Jacko explains how nature provides what we need for mathematics and how according to one calculation, 1.4 kg of chocolate might just be an acceptable amount during a long tramp.
Arthur's Pass National Park Gorgy Creek Lake Trip
What are the benefits of trekking at a leisurely pace? Diane Mellish, team leader for the Peninsula Tramping Club, reveals the ingredients for her 'best trip ever' and why this track is an absolute must for all adventurers.
