Uncle Jacko expresses his deep gratitude for the New Zealand politicians who have prioritised conservation, encourages more politicians to get out tramping, and shares some hard-earned knowledge about preparation in the case of medical evacuation.
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.
Uncle Jacko encounters a gang of hooligan keas on the Cascade Saddle and shares how packrafts have improved since his DIY raft from the 90s, the best recipe for fine campfire cuisine and the real danger of quicksand in the Dart River.
Halfway through their Lewis Pass to Nelson Lakes tramp, an experienced tramper tumbles 25 metres down a scree slope on Thompson Pass. Due to the skilled response by his party and the helicopter rescue team, the tramper is successfully evacuated. The team reflects on lessons from their ordeal and Johnny Mulheron shares essential, lifesaving tips for outdoor enthusiasts.
As a Youth Award Grant recipient, Harri Pickett embarks on a snowy Kepler Track and faces the tough decision to turn around when conditions become unsafe.
Have you ever wondered what costs and resources are required for a backcountry toilet? Uncle Jacko talks toilets, tourism and transport noise, as he shares the calculation for Mr. Erlang’s queuing formulae, the challenge of toilets at high altitude, and DOC's concept of a Tranquillity Map in managing aircraft noise.
Four days, two valleys, and one spectacular peak – the Moa Hunters delve deep into Mount Aspiring National Park and take on the Cascade Saddle.
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.
What does volunteering as a pest trapper look like? Myrthe Braam shares what inspired her to start trapping and how her involvement with trapping has changed over the last four years, as well as offers specific tips on how you can get involved too.
Don't get caught unprepared in the backcountry. Johnny Mulheron, Backcountry Accident Columnist, offers advice about what to take to the hills in your first aid kit.
Three moa hunters embark on a true classic: 'The Three Passes' – Harman, Whitehorn and Browning. With thick cloud and minimal visibility, they learn the shortcomings of relying solely on their sense of direction and find newfound appreciation for the compass.
While trapping began as a way for Marcia to bond with her teenager daughter, it evolves into her own personal project. In this honest account of what it takes to be a trapper, Marcia pushes past her comfort zone to overcome challenges and develop backcountry skills.
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.
"There were so many sets of rapids – it was like being at the water park with a fast pass to the best ride." Andy and his mates make the call to delay their second attempt of the Dragon's Tooth route in Kahurangi National Park, opting instead for the Kaimanawa Kaweka traverse and packrafting down the Mohaka River.
FMC extends a heartfelt thank you to Victoria and Emilie for their generous support and service as ambassadors for FMC’s kaupapa, as well as celebrates their impressive achievement – walking 2,200km over six months along Te Araroa.
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.
A young, solo tramper attempts to cross the Cascade Saddle during heavy rainfall and tragically drowns. Johnny Mulheron reminds us of the dangers posed by crossing flooded streams and how best to make an informed decision when crossing.
Over six months and 3,000 kilometres later, this incredible mother-daughter team crosses the finish line into Bluff and completes Te Araroa. While ending this epic journey and rejoining civilisation may be bittersweet, Emilie reminds us that they have many more adventures ahead . . .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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