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.
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.'
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.
On day 3 of an 8 day trip, an unexpected weather bomb forces four mountaineers to make the critical decision to abandon camp in horrendous conditions.
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.'
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.
What exactly is wind chill and how does it relate to hypothermia? Bob McDavitt reveals how hypothermia is responsible for more deaths than avalanches and skiing in New Zealand, as well as explains its warning signs and what actions to take if someone is experiencing symptoms.
Is it rain or showers? (Hint: the answer lies in the buoyancy). Former MetService Ambassador, Bob McDavitt, discusses cloud identification, thunderstorms, and rain in the ranges.
'When Highs gets over 1030: it’s going to get dirty.’ Bob McDavitt discusses wind and explains the five rules for deciphering a weather map.
Where in New Zealand lies 'God's Own Wet Zone?' Former MetService Ambassador, Bob McDavitt, explains in layman terms how to understand orographic precipitation, freezing level, and the best recipe for snow.
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.
What are anticyclones? Former MetService Ambassador, Bob McDavitt, notes their more undesirable attributes and the ten reasons why he hates a 'High.'
After becoming good friends 10 years ago while training for the Kathmandu Coast to Coast Race, Stefan and Dennis embark on their own wilderness traverse -- a 10-day, 250 km west-east crossing of the South Island. In Part I of their epic, they trek through difficult conditions and reassess the future of their trip.
How strong does the wind have to be to knock over a tree ... or even a person? MetService Weather Ambassador Bob McDavitt provides a guide to measuring wind speed both in the mountains and on land.
What is 'El Nino?' A weather pattern first labelled by the Peruvians, learn how it has impacted climate not only globally, but here in New Zealand.
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.
Have you ever wondered what causes those UFO-shaped clouds high above the mountains? Or why some areas are lashed by strong winds while others remain protected? MetService Forecaster, Leigh Matheson, offers insight into the role wind plays in the mountains.
Former MetService Ambassador, Bob McDavitt, shares his expertise in the art and science of reading weather maps and clouds.
