Youth Award Grant Attempt at the Tongariro Northern Circuit
Four friends set out on their Silver qualifying journey only to be tested by weather and demonstrate their maturity in choosing safety over the finish line.
tramping
Mist, Scrub and Ultramafic Boulders An Epic in the Olivines
When Katherine, Penzy, and Lydia set off for a girl’s only traverse of the Olivine Range, little did they know it would take 15 days and a helicopter transport.
Youth Award Grant Making Memories on the Humpridge Track
As recipients of the FMC Youth Award Grant, eight students from St. Peters College brave the Humpridge Track in rain-soaked conditions and make lasting memories along the way.
Back to the Wild Tramping to Kahurangi Keepers Hut
A cast iron bath in a DOC hut?! On a weekend tramp, Sonia and her family discover the perks of staying in a hut once occupied by a lighthouse keeper and his family.
Mt Wilmot The True Matterhorn of the South
Ruari Macfarlane and his mum throw together a last minute plan to explore the fringe of deepest Fjordland.
The Remarkables A Very Grand Traverse
Jason Rosinger, Daniel Smith, and Charlotte Holmes hop in Dan's DIY campervan and head to the Remarkables, where they make their ascent of Double Cone.
Te Araroa Part II: A long run on our long pathway
In Part II of her blog, Mary completes the North Island portion of the Te Araroa Trail just days before lockdown and emerges to find a world strikingly different from when she began her tramp.
Te Araroa Part I: A long run on our long pathway
As a recipient of the FMC Youth Expedition Scholarship, Mary Williams departs on a solo mission to complete the South Island section of the Te Araroa Trail.
August 2014 Winter Tramping
Uncle Jacko emphasises the importance of a good pair of knickers in the backcountry and how winter tramping often seems more alluring whilst in the comforts of an armchair.
Back to the Wild Winter Hiking with Babies and Toddlers
With winter in full swing, Sonia Barrish offers practical and insightful tips for winter hiking with a little one.
A new normal Solo Tramping
In light of social distancing restrictions, Sarah Tiong gives solo tramping a try. She discovers not only the benefits of going at her own pace, but how rewarding it can be to 'leave the psychological security of safety in numbers.'
Two Peaks Barff, Dragonfly and the FOMO
Rob Hawes, Lorraine Johns, and Simon Bell climb two peaks during one long Wanaka weekend. In Rob’s account, he shares how Simon’s FOMO guaranteed that he didn't miss out on an epic climb.
Lost in the bush Six squares of chocolate
What makes you the richest person in the backcountry? When a group of research students' tramp in the Australian bush doesn't go as planned, they learn the importance of not only carrying a first aid kit, but an emergency supply of chocolate for morale.
A for Adventure A Family Adventure Challenge
Leah Parker sets an adventure challenge for her family: to get her boys outdoors at least once a week for a year. In her article, she recounts the highlights of their 52 outdoor adventures and why she encourages other families to create their own challenge to get outdoors.
Youth Award Grant Highlights from Lake Waikaremoana
Five students from St. Matthew's College and recipients of the FMC Youth Award Grant: Duke of Edinborough’s Hillary Award Gold share highlights from tramping the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk -- a 46 kilometre track in Te Urewera, the homeland of the Tūhoe people.
Back to the Wild St James Walkway – with a Baby!
When Sonia Barrish and partner take their 1-year old daughter on her first multi-day hike, they came prepared with everything she might need. What they didn't prepare for, however, was Sonia becoming injured. In this edition of 'Back to the Wild,' their family learns the importance of carrying a Personal Locator Beacon in the backcountry.
Forgotten Lands Mavora and Livingstone Ranges, Southland
Why is land classification important? What are the consequences of classifying an area as a stewardship land as opposed to a national park? FMC Executive Crystal Brindle explains how classification works and champions for the Mavora Lakes Conservation Area and Livingstone Mountains to be awarded the highest tier of protection.
Youth Award Grant Tramping the St James Walkway, Lewis Pass
Liam Hewson embarks on a tramp three years in the making -- his final tramp for the Duke of Edinborough's Hillary Award Gold along the St. James Walkway, Lewis Pass.
November 2015 Little Orange Track Markers
In this edition of Uncle Jacko’s Cookery Corner (originally featured in the November 2015 FMC Bulletin), Uncle Jacko covers a wide range of topics from DOC's orange track markers to the 421 different Scottish words for snow.
A Traverse of Titiroa
An April traverse of Mount Titiroa from Hope Arm to Borland in Fiordland National Park.
Happy in Hihitahi Zekes Hut
Zekes Hut isn't well known, but a trip into the Hihitahi is worth it for the views from the summit peak alone.
Living and working in alpine Fiordland
Experiencing the Fiordland story of survival from the intimate details to the grand landscapes
Fiordland Autumn Roam
Roaming over passes and camping beneath the stars from Falls Creek to Hut Creek
Tragedy A Preventable Death in the Young Valley
What lessons can be learnt from tragic 2015 drowning of a tramper on the Gillespie Pass circuit?
