Te Anau/Princhester Hut to Merrivale The Bush Baby
Refreshed and ready for action, Victoria and Emilie return to the Trail to tackle the second-to-last leg of their journey – the Takitimu Mountains in the Southland region.
Outdoor Community
Arrowtown to Te Anau When the Going Gets Tough
A concussion en route to Queenstown requires Victoria and Emilie to take a brief hiatus from the Trail. With morale and motivation running low, Victoria finds encouragement in the kindness of friends and makes the decision to continue the trek onto Te Anau.
Volunteering What is ‘Volunteering for Biodiversity?’
What does it mean to 'Volunteer for Biodiversity?' As this year's Outdoor Community Campaign and celebrated activity, Dan Clearwater outlines the many practical ways you and your club can get involved.
Backcountry Magazine Sustainable in Print?
In light of climate change, have you ever wondered why FMC continues to print its Backcountry magazine? Backcountry editor, Peter Laurenson, shares FMC's reasons behind the printed version, the steps taken to align with its values of stewardship and environmental protection, and the future of this classic publication.
Lake Tekapo to Stodys Hut Glacial Lakes and Braided Rivers
Gale force winds strong enough to carry a pack, a crossing of the largest unbridged river on the Trail, and the chance to use a nursing degree? It's just another week in the life of these two Te Araroa trampers.
Training Grant First aid refresher
Need a first aid refresher? Christchurch Tramping Club member, John Kerkhofs, provides a quick, helpful guide to remembering the basics after the FMC Training Grant funds his club's first aid course.
Family Bikepacking 300km with a Toddler
Travelling with a toddler always has its uncertainties. But travelling 300km by bike while towing a toddler is a next level adventure. For this brave family of three, the experience is even better than they imagined.
Volunteering Getting More Than You Give
'There always seems to be more to gain no matter how much you give.' Guided by this philosophy, Cath and her partner become active volunteers in the trapping community in Southland. After relocating to Central Otago, the pair are introduced to a new landscape, as well as the wildlife and pest diversity that comes along with it.
Cartoons Tramping Saga Explains Everything
Does your recollection of a tramp become more glamorous with the passing of time? Two members of the Kaumātua Tramping Club share their humorous take on the difference between the reality of a tramp vs. the memory once back in the comforts of home.
Becoming a Ghost Girl My Experience as a Hut Warden on the Old Ghost Road
'How come you don't get bored out there?' When asked by a tramper about how she spends her time, a first time hut warden reflects on her experience living and working along the Old Ghost Road in Kahurangi National Park.
Training Grant Outdoor First Aid Course
Funded by the FMC Training Grant, Sue Weller and the Christchurch Over Forties Tramping Club (OFTC) learn outdoor first aid skills to better equip themselves and save lives in the backcountry.
Family Tramping Backpacking Mums in New Zealand
As an outdoor enthusiast, Italian-born tramper Barbara Zennaro comes to New Zealand ready to embrace a new style of tramping, one that is different from the more 'catered' hikes with which she grew up. With her partner and little one in tow, she experiences true Kiwi hospitality and how tramping brings families closer together.
Back to the Wild Part II: Old Ghost Road With an 11-Week-Old & a 4-Year-Old
Torrential downpours, breastfeeding breaks, and promises of pizza ... all part of the adventure for this family of four trekking the Old Ghost Road. In Part II of their five-day mission, they meet fellow trampers and improvise in the midst of temper tantrums and changing weather conditions -- creating a family memory that has their daughter already asking to go back!
Back to the Wild Part I: Old Ghost Road With an 11-Week-Old & a 4-Year-Old
85km – 5 days – 4 nights – a 4 year old – and an 11 week old?! Sonia Barrish and partner take on family tramping like pros. They embark on a multi-day tramp with their new baby and toddler in tow, sharing many practical tips they learned along the way.
Family tramping Flying High on Dragonfly
Adventurers Emily and Chris Forne take up the challenge that is tramping with a 20 month old again. This time exploring the East Matukituki and over Dragonfly Peak. There are some hurdles along the way but the effort turns out to be most rewarding...
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.
Clubs Thriving or Just Surviving? Clubs of the Future
What are the role of clubs and how can they stay relevant for future generations? Kathy Ombler, journalist and FMC member, delves into the many creative ways clubs are practicing diversity, advocacy, and technology.
Start 'em young Babes in Backpacks
Before becoming a mum, a big part of how I identified myself was as a long-distance trail runner and tramper. Not surprisingly, one of my biggest concerns about welcoming a little human into my life was not being able to get out and enjoy the backcountry as much or in the same capacity.
Success: It’s a Matter of Perspective
If there’s one thing that going on an overnight tramp with an 18-month-old teaches you, it’s that success is simply a matter of perspective. Or, at least, that’s what we learned the first time we took our toddler with us to stay in a hut.
