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.
mountains
Ball Pass Fire and Ice
The 'Big 50' inspires Andy to expand beyond fastpacking and tackle a new type of adventure -- ski touring. After taking an alpine skills course, he and his mates head to Ball Pass in Mount Aoraki.
Makahika to Ōtaki The Mighty Tararua Range
"I am beginning to see the Trail not just as an act of physical capability, but one of mental fortitude. Endless days of physical discomfort have a way of breaking you down . . ."
The Big Climb Ascent of Tititea Aspiring
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.
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.
Fastpacking Nelson Lakes: 5 Passes D’Urville to St Arnaud
How long does it take to trek 120km? Andy Carruthers and his mates complete their next fastpacking mission: Nelson Lakes, 5 passes D’Urville to St Arnaud in 31 hours over 3 days. With a bit of scree surfing, fresh bread and regular dips in the lake, it's nothing the trio can't handle.
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.
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.
Treasures of the Kahurangi The Needle and the Haystack
During one magical Easter, Lorraine Johns and Simon Bell visit Kahurangi National Park in NW Nelson. Lorraine vividly recalls their journey through a bewitching landscape and shares how it became a trip to remember.
Fastpacking Kaimanawa Kaweka Traverse
28 hours of hiking in two days? Andy embarks on his first two-night fastpacking trip -- the Kaimanawa Kaweka traverse -- and documents his journey through video and GPX navigation.
Mountain Poetry The bear’s reply
Chris Tuffley envisions ‘the bear’s reply' in an eloquent reimagining of the children’s poem ‘The Bear Went Over the Mountain,’ which forgets to mention all the wondrous sights, smells and experiences above and beyond the mere ‘other side of the mountain.' He invites readers to explore their senses and captures breathtaking moments from his many trips over the mountain.
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.
Part II Dennis’ Last Coast to Coast
In Part II of a 10-day traverse, two friends hike and kayak their way to the finish line. Offering Dennis a second shot to finish the Coast to Coast Race and Stefan the chance to complete a trip of a lifetime, the loss of a few toenails proved more than worth it.
Youth Award Grant Ascending Towards the Clouds
Students from Otamatea High School work towards their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award by ascending towards the clouds and climbing Mt Taranaki. Next up for these trampers is Gold level status.
Makorako II The Makorakoing
"Few things make you reconsider your life decisions more than sprinting 400m up a mountain half naked, straight out of bed, after getting 4 hrs of sleep - because all your food is gone." For Jason Rosinger and partner Laura Jacks, their plan to climb the North Island's sixth highest peak in a weekend took a slight detour...
A Mischievous Fairie Queene Her Ravenous Sandflies and Spiders
In an account of their victorious trip, Lorraine Johns, Nina Sawicki and Simon Bell tackle the Fairie Queene in the St James Conservation Area near Lewis Pass in February 2012.
November 2004 Wind Speed and Direction in the Mountains
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.
Trans-Alpine Trip The Mathias Catchment
Sonja Risa recounts her first transalpine trip with fellow members of the Peninsula Tramping Club and gains valuable insight into how one mighty river can dictate the course of a trip.
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.
Footsteps of the Rainbow Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku
Want to get away from your desk and into the backcountry? For the Peninsula Tramping Club, including two FMC Executives Jan and Liz, it was time for a group adventure. Leaving the office behind and taking a long weekend, they summit Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku -- the 'footsteps of the rainbow.'
Family Ladder in the Wilderness
Accompanied by his two sons, Ed and Will, Peter Laurenson capitalises on the school holidays to expend some of their teenage energy by climbing the Tararua Peaks.
