Kakapotahi Paddling flooded rivers
Like living in a ski town on a powder day, Hokitika is a river town, and we get our fair share of ‘fat’ powder days – just the melted type.
Opinion
Forgotten Lands Gwavas Conservation Area
Covering 2,700 hectares of the Wakarara range in Central Hawkes Bay, the Gwavas Conservation Area has been awaiting reclassification since DOC's early days. John Beech, General Committee Member for the Manawatu Tramping and Skiing Club, offers insight into this region's battle for reclassification and greater land protection.
What to do When the mountains are on lockdown
How do you navigate a lockdown when you're used to spending all your time outdoors? Tarsh Turner offers 4 tips to help fight the lockdown blues and explains why the mountaineer lifestyle has helped prepare her for these difficult and unprecedented times.
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.
Forgotten Lands Karst around the Four Mile River West Coast
Featured in Backcountry Magazine's "Forgotten Lands" edition (November 2019), FMC Executive Neil Silverwood explores the unique limestone region around the Four Mile River West Coast and explains why this remarkable land deserves higher protection.
Outdoor dads When the kids are very little
I’m sure that fear of losing the freedom to get into the mountains is common among many keen outdoor parents. But rather than just waiting to see if that perceived ‘fate’ became reality, I proactively decided to adapt to this new life-chapter and embrace the opportunities that it held.
Pay it forward The mountains are calling…and we should all go.
The first time I climbed a mountain covered in snow, I sure as heck didn’t know what I was doing.
Mt Christina Thank goodness for the rescue Helicopter
The prospect of changes to NZ's regional helicopter services hits close to home for new FMC Executive member, Sarah Tiong.
Tasmania: Its really old
Tasmania is a tramper’s wonderland of ancient geology, flora and fauna, and so different to Aotearoa that it’s hard to believe we are neighbours.
Dolomite Point The development of a limestone landscape
$26.5 million dollars has been allocated to re-development around the "Pancake Rocks" at Dolomite Point. Neil Silverwood questions the wisdom of this project, and ponders whether DOC's focus has shifted from conservator to developer..
Trench Foot The joy of GodZone or a peril for Packrafters?
Not just for adventure racers or soliders any more; packrafters beware! Timothy Hargrave gives us the low down on rotting feet in Fiordland.
Ol' club mates: real friends
So what is it about tramping and climbing that builds friendships as solid as Darrans diorite?
Manawatu Gorge A brush with death or a brush with bureaucracy?
The closure of the Manawatu Gorge road is a pain for drivers...but Anthony Behrens reckons it’s a great walk through one of the region’s most dramatic places...it’s a shame about all the barriers
Packrafting A kayaker’s perspective
After 40 years exploring rivers all around the world, Hugh Canard explains why he loves his new river tool.
Speak Out Our Wild Spaces Under Threat
Caver, photographer and passionate outdoorsman Neil Silverwood on the threat of development to our wild places.
Five Awesome things about the Ruahine Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court has scuppered Government plans to flood part of the specially protected Ruahine Forest Park. Here's five things you should know about the decision.
Spine of the Fish Days 39-44: don’t fight it Marsha, it’s bigger than both of us…
Floods and the threat of another cyclone mean a rethink of plans.
Mahi Preserving the Huts: A Backcountry Partnership
Geoff Spearpoint and Rob Brown provide the vision for a future backcountry partnership between the outdoors community and the Department of Conservation
Climate change Tramping smarter
Reproduced from the June 2016 FMC Bulletin, Tania Seward looks at how we can tramp smarter, reducing our carbon impact.
WARNING! contains satire The art of Bogan Tramping
At first glance trampers and bogans don't have much in common. Have a few beers while you read this and Anthony Behrens may be able to change your mind.
