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.
South Island
Mountain Adventure Packrafting the Tasman and Jollie Rivers
Fascinated and frightened by the thought of whitewater kayaking, Alastair McDowell embraces his fears (and excitement) to join his mates on a weekend packrafting trip in Mt Cook. After his partner's paddle breaks, Alastair gets thrown in at the deep end and learns the art of navigation.
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.
Stodys Hut to Arrowtown A Climb Through History
After reaching Lake Hawea, Victoria and Emilie take on a challenging alpine trek through the historic Motatapu Track, traversing beech forest, tussocks, and sub-alpine scenery.
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.
Double Hut to Lake Tekapo 100 Days on the Trail
After a forced rest day watching snowfall, Victoria and Emilie continue on their way and climb up to Stag Saddle, the highest point of Te Araroa at 1925m. Spurred on by grey clouds, they make it to Lake Tekapo, where the joy of having finished another section competes with the dread of having to re-enter society.
Arthur’s Pass to Double Hut Of Mice and Matagouri
Making their way across Hakatere Conservation Park, Victoria and Emilie are welcomed by a cold South Island night and an unexpected memorial for a local hut mouse. With another front rolling in, they manage to get to Double Hut just before the snow falls.
Youth Award Grant Riding the Rapids
From sunshine to high speed winds of over 100 km/h, a week-long rafting trip teaches Youth Award Grant recipient, Harry Brenton-Rule, to be prepared for every scenario in the backcountry.
Youth Award Grant An Un’Rees’onably ‘Dart’lightful Time
What’s the hardest part of any tramp? A return to civilization. The Glen Eden Venturers tackle over 80km along the Rees Dart Track and while feeling reluctant to rejoin society, they become inspired to take their knowledge and train young scouts in backcountry skills.
Deception to Mingha Spotting Whio and Kea
After taking a short break with friends, Victoria and Emilie rejoin the Trail and have their first kea encounter. As the weather packs in, they hunker down to wait out the storm. Anxiety pays an unexpected visit and reminds Victoria that ‘just like the weather, this too shall pass.’
Boyle Village to Otira River Crossing Crossing the Harper Pass
Crossing the Harper Pass, the wild west coast welcomes Victoria and Emilie as they bathe in its icy waters, explore its lush forests, and meander along its rocky riverbanks.
Lake Constance to Boyle Village Over the Waiau Pass
Celebrating their crossing of the Waiau Pass, Victoria reflects on her former fast-paced lifestyle and how truly precious it is to have this mummy daughter time in nature.
St Arnaud to Lake Constance Nelson Lakes
“I feel nutritionally deficient, my stomach a gnawing void after 60+ days of trail walking on meagre rations.” While made worth it by the stunning views and company of friends, Victoria faces the harsh reality of packing another 14 days worth of food and trying to keep a party of two nourished amidst long days of climbing in Nelson Lakes.
Rocks Hut to St Arnaud The Richmond Ranges
In this eventful portion of their trip, Emilie once again shows her bravery as she gets stung by a swarm of wasps and takes a serious tumble that requires Victoria to act fast. Amidst it all, this powerhouse team meets new friends and soaks up the magic and healing held within the Richmond Ranges.
Mountain Adventure Otira Face – Mt Rolleston
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.
Havelock to Rocks Hut A Backcountry Christmas
Cleverly using sweaty socks as stockings, Santa drops off presents for Emilie as they celebrate a true backcountry Christmas. And for Victoria, the holiday season evokes some past reminders en route to the Richmond Ranges.
Survivor Story Stranded on Mt Hopeless
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.
Camp Cove to Havelock Trail Parenting in the Marlborough Sounds
Victoria and Emilie continue to explore the many coves and beaches of the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Track, rediscovering the magic of low tide and nature's smallest sea creatures.
Ship's Cove to Camp Cove South Island Beginnings
Being the sole companion to a seven-year-old isn't always easy for either party. On the start of their South Island trek, Victoria faces some difficult memories from her past and contemplates how much life has changed since her corporate days.
Volunteering for Biodiversity Arthur’s Pass Calling
Gerald Bruce-Smith reports on pest-busting in the South Island’s first national park, Arthur's Pass.
Ski Touring Mt Stephenson Traverse with E-Bike Access, Gammack Range
With our snowlines edging upward and helicopter access carbon adding to the problem, using an e-bike (where permitted and practical) is a good solution for access to slightly more remote ski tours. James Shoshoni and his mates have a successful go at e-bike ski touring and traverse fresh powder on Mt Stephenson.
Fastpacking Travers Sabine Circuit plus Blue Lake Nelson Lakes
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.
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.
Youth Award Grant Stewart Island
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.
