Mountaineering

Embracing the Wilderness My Journey into Adventure Filmmaking

By Andy Carruthers|2024-11-18T12:19:53+13:00November 18th, 2024

Are you interested in adventure filmmaking? Grab your camera and start telling your story! Founder of 'Short Films Big Adventures' and outdoor enthusiast, Andy Carruthers, shares his journey from novice filmmaker to creator of a successful adventure film, Tararua S-K, featured on Apple TV and Air New Zealand's in-flight entertainment. From crafting an engaging story to filmmaking and distribution, Andy offers insider tips for aspiring adventure filmmakers.

Trip Reports

Team Poem Everest Base Camp

By Andy Carruthers|2024-08-19T10:54:04+12:00August 12th, 2024

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.

Trip Reports

Mt Aspiring Tititea Matterhorn of the South

By Andy Carruthers|2024-08-12T10:47:23+12:00August 12th, 2024

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.

Opinion

Kahurangi Bivvy A Night Out on Mt Arthur

By Peter Laurenson|2024-03-19T13:45:25+13:00March 19th, 2024

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.

Backcountry Accidents

Winter Tramping Catastrophe on Cascade Saddle

By Johnny Mulheron|2024-03-05T14:59:15+13:00March 5th, 2024

Completion of the Great Walks may lead less experienced trampers into a false sense of security, resulting in some attempting backcountry tracks beyond their skill sets. After finishing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Abel Tasman Coastal Track, a young tourist sets off on the Cascade Saddle in Mt Aspiring National Park. Under snow cover, Cascade Saddle is a serious alpine crossing that requires outdoor competence and proper equipment. Johnny Mulheron discusses the tragic details behind this solo tramper's fatal fall in winter conditions and what lessons we can take away.

Trip Reports

Ruahine Tops Between Two Rivers

By Peter Laurenson|2023-12-18T13:11:30+13:00December 18th, 2023

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.

Backcountry Accidents

Mountaineering When Perceived Safety is Misleading

By Guest Author|2023-11-01T14:50:01+13:00November 1st, 2023

“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.

Outdoor Community blog

Winter Tips Leading Alpine Trips

By Rebecca Gray|2023-08-22T14:25:47+12:00August 22nd, 2023

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.

Book Reviews

Climbing Seeking the Light

By Peter Laurenson|2023-07-10T08:33:15+12:00July 7th, 2023

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.

Simon's Trips

Close Call The Jagged-Upham Couloir Attempt

By Simon Bell|2023-01-16T10:28:16+13:00January 16th, 2023

A close call occurs on Jagged Peak with one climber undergoing a serious accident, successful helicopter rescue and lengthy recovery. Heather Rhodes joins Vaughan Snowdon and Simon Bell to attempt Jagged Peak in the Arrowsmith Range of South Canterbury, resulting in a 300m fall.

Expeditions

What I Did Find Darkness and Light in the Olivines

By Guest Author|2022-06-16T12:44:56+12:00June 15th, 2022

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.

Backcountry Accidents

Historical A 1927’s Perspective on Backcountry Accidents

By Guest Author|2022-06-12T15:17:12+12:00June 12th, 2022

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.

Simon's Trips

Mountaineer's Dilemma Club Trip to Pioneer Hut

By Simon Bell|2022-06-10T20:43:30+12:00June 10th, 2022

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.

Trip Reports

Mountain Adventure The Couloir of All Couloirs

By Alastair McDowell|2023-08-01T08:46:04+12:00June 6th, 2022

With winter in full swing, Alastair and mates seek out a new challenge – a summit of Couloir Peak in the Arrowsmith Range.

Simon's Trips

Scenarios Mountain Safety

By Simon Bell|2022-04-01T17:17:49+13:00April 1st, 2022

Safety in the mountains is a serious topic and one that requires good judgment and experience. During an interactive presentation about his Aoraki/Mt Cook climb in 2011, Simon Bell shares photos and key points for climbers to consider in various scenarios.

Trip Reports

Mountain Adventure Otira Face – Mt Rolleston

By Alastair McDowell|2021-12-24T17:00:31+13:00December 24th, 2021

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.

Backcountry Accidents

Survivor Story Stranded on Mt Hopeless

By Johnny Mulheron|2022-01-23T16:22:26+13:00December 22nd, 2021

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.

Photo Essays

Climbing Beyond the Clifftop Shelter

By Peter Laurenson|2023-10-11T16:16:23+13:00December 21st, 2021

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.

Simon's Trips

The Big Climb Ascent of Tititea Aspiring

By Guest Author|2022-04-01T17:21:31+13:00October 25th, 2021

A 19-person ascent of Mt Aspiring along with poor visibility? For these experienced mountaineers, it only adds to the thrill of a backcountry trip with good mates.

Trip Reports

Rescue Cheeky Keas, I Reckon

By Guest Author|2021-09-17T12:39:45+12:00September 17th, 2021

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.

Simon's Trips

Rolleston Range Turret Peak

By Simon Bell|2022-04-01T17:19:56+13:00September 9th, 2021

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.'

Trip Reports

Mountain Adventure Macpherson – Talbot Traverse, Darran Mountains, Fiordland

By Alastair McDowell|2021-08-29T13:50:08+12:00July 31st, 2021

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.

Simon's Trips

Living the Dream Life in Wanaka

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:39:58+12:00July 16th, 2021

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.

Trip Reports

Mountain Adventure Mount Cook Grand Traverse in a Day

By Alastair McDowell|2021-08-29T13:50:08+12:00June 30th, 2021

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.

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