Are loopies, by definition, indestructible and how do we create a model to better understand risk in the outdoors? Uncle Jacko poses the argument that while there are exceptions to the rule, ill-equipped trampers often seem to survive and explains the idea behind the Heine–McFarlane–McNeill risksetting model that he helped to design.
Looking for a more affordable way to purchase gear? Uncle Jacko discusses the versatility of retired poly-cotton office shirts, the best sources for weather prediction and PLB features that can save the life of an incapacitated, solo tramper.
Defined by its distinctive karst rock formations and sinkholes that remind trampers to guard each step, Mt Arthur lends itself to a photographer’s paradise. Documenting his trek to the peak with camera in tow, Peter Laurenson captures the maunga in all its glory.
From a weka invasion to endless blisters, Phoebe Squire and four classmates earn their DOE Gold on the Queen Charlotte Track in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds.
Time for Gold! Zander Groenewald from Otamatea High School in Northland completes his Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition around Taranaki Maunga.
“I grew up in National Parks around New Zealand,” is a statement not many of us can claim. But Jane Gosden can. As a keen ecologist with a special interest in alpine plants and years of working in and above the bush line, she recently published a field guide to alpine daisies in the genus Celmisia. Her curiosity and attraction to Celmisia took her on a nationwide mission, from the mountains to the sea. In her story for Wilderlife, she talks about her life and work in high, wild places and her love for everything that inhabits them – especially plants.
After 50 years of tramping, Ray Salisbury reveals how the mountains taught him lessons on humility and resilience.
Climbing whilst capturing Aotearoa's natural beauty is second nature for adventure photographer, Peter Laurenson. In this photo essay, he traverses the Ruahine tops cradled between two rivers – Makaroro and Waipawa.
What is it like to go alpine tramping in a land of perpetual sun? Uncle Jacko responds to readers' comments and recounts his unique experience of backcountry and hut life in Tromsø, Northern Norway.
Harriet Watson is no ordinary woman. One might think she is a wonder woman! As a young woman suffering from endometriosis, she ran and cycled 650 km of the West Coast wilderness over eight days to raise awareness and funds to help those with the same condition. Her epic mission got captured on film, which was shown at this year's NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival.
“For a group of neuro-diverse students, the biggest challenge can be getting the opportunity to take part in outdoor adventures.” After five years in the making, nine neuro-diverse students from Wellington East Girls’ College head off for their biggest adventure yet – a six-day ski and snowshoeing trip to the Cardrona Valley. Unit Leader, Leonie King, shines light on the students’ barriers to entry and the preparation required to complete their Gold DOE's Hillary Award.
'Though plenty of inexperienced day walkers happily climb Taranaki, the mountain is still one of the most deadly in New Zealand. For many, the northern summer route is their surest way to safely experience climbing Taranaki.' Seasoned mountaineer, Peter Laurenson, provides foundational advice for minimising trouble and maximising fun on Mt Taranaki this summer.
No ride, no problem. FMC Youth Award Grant recipient, Tara Isaacs, organises her own DOE Gold Qualifier from the ground up. Starting without a team, a shadower or a ride, she compiles a crew and all the components necessary to cross off one of her 'bucket list tramps' – the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk.
Uncle Jacko offers creative solutions for mending those pesky puffer jacket tears, shares how to calculate our carbon footprint and pays tribute to dear friends who have passed away.
With an extensive background in tramping and mountaineering, photographer Peter Laurenson explores the advantages offered by whitewater rafting and journeys along the iconic Waiau Toa/Clarence River from Acheron to the sea.
For their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Qualifying Journey, Emiliana and her team opt for an alternative mode of backcountry travel – kayaking. Dubbed the Kayak Kapers, this team of twenty-four students (over half of whom had never kayaked) bravely took up their paddles and developed new skills during a multi-day exploration of the Marlborough Sounds.
An overnight bivvy above the clouds sets the scene for a photographer's paradise, as Peter Laurenson heads south of Waipawa Saddle to Rangioteatua.
Over the April school holidays, six students set off to complete their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Adventurous Journey in Tongariro National Park. Demonstrating excellent planning for their tramp, the group successfully navigates all the challenges thrown their way and completes a trip of a lifetime.
In his award winning book, climber and leading alpine photographer Gavin Lang, reveals his ascent to light and 24 New Zealand's highest mountains through authentic storytelling and heart-stopping photography.
What do the Indus and Keve rivers have in common? Mike Dawson, former New Zealand Olympian in whitewater slalom and expedition kayaker, reveals his all-time favourite rivers, the biggest threats to river access and how whitewater kayaking is like solving a puzzle.
Accomplished writer, climber and mountaineer Paul Hersey bares his climber's soul in this absorbing and honest book about the crux of climbing life: the contradiction of rich reward versus unimaginable loss.
“It's gonna be a wild ride!” said Megan, laughing, when asked about the work of Federated Mountain Clubs for the next presidential year.
"There is just a whole lotta love in kayaking here in New Zealand, for the rivers and each other." Shannon Mast was unanimously voted as Paddler of the Year 2022, at Whitewater New Zealand’s AGM. In this interview, Justin Venable dives into what makes Shannon passionate about whitewater kayaking and New Zealand rivers.
"Journey – a long and often difficult process of personal change and development." For these four FMC Youth Award Grant recipients, they draw upon their strengths and honestly address their shortcomings to come together as a team to support one another, as well as look after fellow trampers on the Tongariro Crossing Northern Circuit.
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