Makahika to Ōtaki The Mighty Tararua Range
"I am beginning to see the Trail not just as an act of physical capability, but one of mental fortitude. Endless days of physical discomfort have a way of breaking you down . . ."
tramping
Palmerston North to Makahika Exploring South Manawatu
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.'
Mahi Aroha Restoring Stanfield Hut with the Backcountry Trust
Victoria and Emilie roll up their sleeves and help restore Stanfield Hut, giving back to the backcountry hut system that has sheltered them along the Te Araroa trail.
Whanganui to Whiowhio Hut Manawatu Wanderings
With pit stops along the way for homemade cake and ice cream, road walking has its perks. Mother and daughter duo, Victoria and Emilie, continue their journey along beaches and agricultural land, eventually reaching the famous Rescue orange Whiowhio Hut in Palmerston North.
Ruapehu ‘Round the Mountain
Victoria and Emilie brave wild weather and snoring hut mates in their voyage 'round Mt Ruapehu.
Whakapapiti Hut A Sense of Place
When weather causes plans to change, Victoria and Emilie venture on a side-trip towards Ruapehu. With only a short walk to Whakapapaiti Hut, Victoria takes the luxury of an afternoon to sit and ponder.
Taumaranui to National Park A Fresh Start
Mother and daughter team, Emilie and Victoria, make the jump from the freedom of Ninety Mile Beach to the rolling agriculture of Kings Country, continuing all the way to National Park.
November 2004 Walking Sticks and Post-Op Tramping
Uncle Jacko shares creative tips for tramping post-operation and dives into a discussion on tea bags, GPS boosters, and walking sticks.
Ahipara Lockdown
From the freedom of Ninety Mile Beach to Level 3 lockdown, Te Araroa was already promising to be one crazy adventure.
Mountain Adventure How to Go Fastpacking
'Every piece of gear that you bring needs to be examined and optimised. A ruthless and analytical attitude needs to be taken.' Breaking down each component to allow for the lightest and safest travel, Alastair delves into the nitty gritty of fastpacking.
Cape Reinga to Ahipara Te Araroa Beachlands
All great journeys begin with the first step. Victoria and Emilie fly over a locked-down Auckland to the top of Aotearoa and begin their adventures on Te Araroa.
August 2008 Starving Donkey Syndrome
How do you choose where to tramp when you have TOO many good choices? In what he calls the 'Starving Donkey Syndrome,' Uncle Jacko discusses the challenges of having the privilege to choose, as well as DIY maps and the best, easy meals to prepare on a tramp.
Mid-Winter Adventure Top Hut Winter Trip
When it comes to winter tramping, it is especially important to remain flexible when planning dates and routes. Myrthe and her mates find a window of good weather and set out on a weekend mission to Top Hut in Oteake Conservation Park.
November 2009 Uncle Jacko Gets the Last Word
Uncle Jacko reveals Darwin's lesser known law, 'Survival of the Unfittest,' and takes the opportunity to have the last word in a hut debate.
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.
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.
Youth Award Grant Queen Charlotte Track
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.
March 2014 What Comes Around
Uncle Jacko discloses his favourite YouTube videos ranging from 'cooking eggs and bacon in a paper bag' to 'ice axe self-arrest,' as well as shares a heartwarming story about the benefits of hospitality.
Fastpacking Nelson Lakes: 5 Passes D’Urville to St Arnaud
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.
June 2017 Applied Tramping
What is 'applied tramping?' Esther Pothuis, from Holland, joins the Palmerston North Tramping & Mountaineering Club and discovers a new way of hiking in the Ruahine’s Pohangina River.
November 2018 Travelling on a Whim
'It’s always satisfying to make important decisions on a whim, because there can be no accounting for taste, no reason to justify and no explanation to satisfy.' Uncle Jacko reveals which of his trips were decided merely on a whim, as well as how he was talked out of travelling by donkey during his tramping adventures in France.
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.
March 2004 Myths About Trampers
What image comes to mind when you think of a 'tramper?' Is it safe to superglue an open wound? Uncle Jacko debunks myths about what the average tramper looks like, as well as shares first aid safety and what it’s been like for him to learn to lead from the back.
