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Youth Tramping Accessible to All

By Guest Author|2023-11-27T10:35:38+13:00November 20th, 2023

“For a group of neuro-diverse students, the biggest challenge can be getting the opportunity to take part in outdoor adventures.” After five years in the making, nine neuro-diverse students from Wellington East Girls’ College head off for their biggest adventure yet – a six-day ski and snowshoeing trip to the Cardrona Valley. Unit Leader, Leonie King, shines light on the students’ barriers to entry and the preparation required to complete their Gold DOE's Hillary Award.

Trip Reports

Youth Award Grant Te Whare Tapa Whā

By Guest Author|2023-05-03T14:54:51+12:00May 3rd, 2023

Examining their Gold qualifying tramp through the lens of Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four dimensions of wellbeing), Alicia and Sophie reflect on the significant challenges they faced on the Rees-Dart Track and what strategies helped encourage them to continue.

Trip Reports

Youth Award Grant Second Chance Success

By Guest Author|2023-02-07T10:49:19+13:00February 7th, 2023

A second attempt and an alternative route pays off for these four Duke of Edinburgh qualifiers. After a flooded track and health problems forces the group to turn back on their first try, they persevere and successfully complete their next tramp with lots of fun and skill building along the way.

Trip Reports

Lake Nerine When Mother Nature Says Otherwise

By The Moa Hunters|2022-12-28T13:58:21+13:00December 28th, 2022

After Mother Nature thwarts their original plan to climb Rabbit Pass, the Moa Hunters decide to go off the beaten track and make the trek to Lake Nerine.

Outdoor Community blog

Youth Outdoors The Murchison Camping Club

By Guest Author|2022-11-26T05:54:08+13:00November 23rd, 2022

It all started in the nineties with a group of paddlers keen to meet annually and paddle whitewater. Now an official tradition after twenty years, this tight-knit group continues to gather every Christmas to pass on their knowledge and love of kayaking to the next generation.

Uncle Jacko's Cookery Corner

March 2020 The Great Unknown

By Robin McNeill|2022-10-09T10:00:49+13:00October 9th, 2022

Uncle Jacko reminds us of the unlawful act of killing sandflies according to the National Parks Act of 1980, as well as pays tribute to the life of a dear friend and former editor of the FMC Bulletin.

Trip Reports

Youth Award Grant Winter Tramping Along the Two Thumbs Range

By Guest Author|2022-09-07T07:08:56+12:00September 7th, 2022

Winter tramping and a roughly polled track presents these FMC Youth Award Grant recipients with new challenges, as they complete their Duke of Edinburgh Gold tramp along the Two Thumbs range from Mesopotamia to Tekapo in four days.

Trip Reports

Cascade Saddle A Tale of Two Valleys

By The Moa Hunters|2022-06-18T16:55:30+12:00June 18th, 2022

Four days, two valleys, and one spectacular peak – the Moa Hunters delve deep into Mount Aspiring National Park and take on the Cascade Saddle.

Trip Reports

Youth Award Grant Crossing the Tararuas

By Guest Author|2022-07-02T10:18:19+12:00May 30th, 2022

A crew of Silver Duke of Edinburgh qualifying students comes prepared with a contingency plan for every weather scenario, as they embark on the Tararuas and experience many of the elements that an alpine climate has to offer.

Trip Reports

The Moa Hunters On Top of the World

By Guest Author|2022-06-09T17:19:45+12:00May 18th, 2022

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.

Trip Reports

Youth Award Grant A Multi-Sport Mashup

By Guest Author|2022-05-10T17:49:46+12:00May 10th, 2022

Despite high river levels cancelling their canoeing trip, this adventurous group of DOE Gold qualifiers bring a whole new meaning to 'carpe diem.' With their extra time, they tackle whitewater rafting, rock climbing and canyoning, even climbing Mount Ruapehu with ice axes.

Adventures with Emilie

Waikenae to Wellington Halfway Point

By Victoria Bruce|2021-12-24T15:17:02+13:00December 10th, 2021

After 44 days of tramping in all weather conditions, Victoria and Emilie celebrate an epic milestone: the completion of the Te Araroa's North Island section.

Adventures with Emilie

Palmerston North to Makahika Exploring South Manawatu

By Victoria Bruce|2021-12-09T17:15:37+13:00November 23rd, 2021

An extra rest day replenishes this mummy daughter tramping team. After saying goodbye to new friends, they set off on the next stage of their Manawatu adventure while Victoria contemplates the shortcomings of 'thru-hiking.'

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.

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

Youth Award Grant Stewart Island

By Guest Author|2021-08-20T14:34:24+12:00August 20th, 2021

Well known for being one of the muddiest tramps, Brianna Loan learns firsthand the frustration (and fun) of being stuck in the mud with mates. As a recipient of the FMC Youth Award Grant, she and her team share laughs, forge friendships, and together face a crucial safety decision when the weather turns.

Trip Reports

Youth Award Grant Queen Charlotte Track

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:39:23+12:00July 31st, 2021

For her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition, student Veronica Amey and mates tramp, bike, and kayak the Queen Charlotte Track, where they discover the magic and beauty of exploring their own country.

Trip Reports

Fastpacking Nelson Lakes: 5 Passes D’Urville to St Arnaud

By Andy Carruthers|2021-09-04T16:32:43+12:00July 21st, 2021

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.

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.

Lifestyle

Cartoons Tramping Saga Explains Everything

By Guest Author|2021-07-09T13:21:11+12:00July 9th, 2021

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.

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.

Trip Reports

Coronation and Irene Getting Scroggy With It

By Guest Author|2021-06-14T11:23:24+12:00June 14th, 2021

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.'

Simon's Trips

Paradise Found The Gardens of Eden and Allah

By Guest Author|2021-06-13T13:35:21+12:00June 3rd, 2021

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'.

Trip Reports

Youth Award Grant Kaweka Forest Park

By Guest Author|2021-08-10T16:40:41+12:00May 19th, 2021

What do you do when a fellow tramper gets an injury? FMC Youth Award Grant recipient, Dylan Barker, heads into Kaweka Forest Park with mates and learns firsthand how to face backcountry challenges, as well as how a good crew can make for a great trip.

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