Much Easier Than Last Time - Saddle Hill (841m)
A while back my father and I visited my uncle's farm in Wainui to hike the top fence-line and check for any holes where animals could escape. The trek was…
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129 reports
A Road to Nowhere (Part One) - Lindis Pass Conservation Area / Ahuriri Conservation Area
Curiosity is a driving factor in going into the outdoors. A want, need, must know attitude will take you to some incredi...
26 Jun 2024
Listening to the Silence of Snow (Part Three) - Mount Burns Tarns
I recently hiked a track that I used to use as a running trail for training. Before I could get too depressed about how...
5 Mar 2024
Listening to the Silence of Snow (Part Two) - Upper Borland Valley / Mount Burns Tarns
Many will be turned away from the hills if snow is mentioned in the forecast. Cold is unpleasant to most and snow usuall...
5 Mar 2024
Listening to the Silence of Snow (Part One) - Borland Burn
I have found that the thing I have missed while sitting on the sidelines with my hip and back injury is getting a sense...
4 Mar 2024
The Tragedy Track (Part Two) - Rapaki Track / Valley Track
There have been times when I have been hiking in places of historic hardship. Knowing someone, oror multiple people have...
23 Jun 2023
The Tragedy Track (Part One) - Rapaki Track.
While attending a chronic pain management course we were asked to set goals. I joined in with another attendee’s goal, w...
22 Jun 2023
A Fowler Wind Blows (Part Three). Fowler Pass Track.
Part of the appeal of hiking to me is the satisfaction of completing your self appointed challenge. Pre-injury my target...
3 Jun 2023
<strong><em>A Fowler Wind Blows (Part Two). Fowler Pass Track.</em></strong>
Pre 2007 I wouldn’t consider spending time in the mountains as a ‘fun’ pastime. I was more into vehicles and high veloci...
2 Jun 2023
A Fowler Wind Blows (Part One) - Fowler Pass Track
The road to recovery has been a lot longer than expected. I didn’t know how long it would take to start with, but I didn...
2 Jun 2023
Conflicting Reports (Part Three). Hakatere Conservation Park
I was once camping in the magnificent Rees Valley in Otago when a helicopter first flew over my little campsite and then...
29 Apr 2023
Conflicting Reports (Part Two). Hakatere Conservation Park
A couple of times when exploring with my cousin in his truck we have asked for permission when we don’t really need to....
28 Apr 2023
Conflicting Reports (Part One). Hakatere Conservation Park
My rocky road to recovery has been made a lot easier with the addition of an excellent sidekick (or am I the sidekick?)....
27 Apr 2023
The Omarama Alternative - Omarama Saddle
Before I wrecked my hip I didn’t think much about four wheel driving. I would much rather chuck a pack on my back and ta...
26 Nov 2022
Permission Granted (Part One) - Northern Otago Hills
Aotearoa became the land of farms once discovered. Because of its fertile land, a lot of the country is covered in paddo...
24 Nov 2022
Into the Snow We Go (Part Three) - Jimny Club Adventure
While out 'On a Mish' you can encounter all sorts of situations, however running into a mass of humanity wasn't what we...
31 Jul 2022
Into the Snow We Go (Part Two) - Jimny Club Adventure
Due to the road being closed at Springfield, there were heaps of skiers around waiting for the opportunity to head up to...
30 Jul 2022
Into the Snow We Go (Part One) - Jimny Club Adventure
The want, must, need to go into the wild is never a bad thing. However you have to get yourself there first. Hiking, tre...
30 Jul 2022
Welcome to Borland (Part One) - Upper Borland Burn (South Branch)
Anyone who knows me knows I have a slight obsession with Fiordland National Park. The place has so much to offer, and du...
10 Jan 2022
While the World Fell Apart (Part Five) - Patea / Doubtful Sound
2020 was a strange year for everyone. No one could imagine how much the world would change and how long it would take fo...
24 Mar 2020
While the World Fell Apart (Part Three) - Patea / Doubtful Sound
Fiordland National Park is one of only a few places left on the planet that has remained untouched by the hands of manki...
20 Mar 2020
While the World Fell Apart (Part Two) - Te Anau / Patea Doubtful Sound
Normally Aotearoa watches the world from afar and usually stays well away from any conflict. Our remote location might b...
19 Mar 2020
While the World Fell Apart (Part One) - Queenstown / Te Anau
I was surprised to learn that Aotearoa had dropped its final Covid restrictions, as I had no idea there were any still i...
2 Mar 2020
Slippery When Wet (Part Two) - Gertrude Saddle(1410m)
The signage along the Gertrude Saddle Track has increased as time has gone on and unfortunately more accidents have happ...
2 Dec 2019
Slippery When Wet (Part One) - Gertrude Saddle(1410m)
Warning signs are in places for a reason and should be obeyed. However, I can say from experience that sometimes the sig...
2 Dec 2019
Lights in the Darkness (Part Three) - Green Lake Hut (Borland Road Route)
There have been a few times where I have misjudged time to a hut or summit and my lack of good judgement has taken me do...
14 Oct 2019
Lights in the Darkness (Part Two) - Green Lake Hut
After several late finishes throughout my mission career, it would be hypocritical for me to make a big deal about someo...
13 Oct 2019
Lights in the Darkness (Part One) - Green Lake Hut
While out on missions I have bumped into many fellow adventurers, some experienced, some ‘not so’ experienced. Aotearoa...
11 Oct 2019
Out Numbered and Surrounded - Kea Camp on Percy Saddle (Part Two)
I have had the lucky pleasure of watching Kea be Kea many times while hiking in the mountains. No matter what, they will...
20 Jul 2019
Outnumbered and Surrounded - Kea Camp On Percy Saddle (Part One)
For humans the alpine area is only a place to visit, and temporary stays are all our bodies can take. It takes a unique...
20 Jul 2019
Man / Woman Vs Mountains (Part Three) - Barrier Peak
There have definitely been many occasions when I would have easily opted out of the situations I had gotten myself into....
25 May 2019
Man / Woman Vs Mountains (Part Two) - Barrier Knob(1879m)
Putting your training up against a peak can produce some powerful feelings. For many it keeps them in the gym and walkin...
24 May 2019
Man / Woman Vs Mountains (Part One) - Barrier Knob(1879m)
Most of remote climbing is walking, hiking, scrambling, and then maybe some of the stuff you see on tv. Explaining mount...
24 May 2019
Storm Vs Tent (Part Two) - Borland Saddle Ridge Camp
In the wilds of Aotearoa you are at the mercy of the weather. In Fiordland if you get the forecast wrong, you could be i...
4 May 2019
Storm vs Tent (Part One) - Borland Saddle Ridge Camp
As big as Fiordland is, there is a place that draws my attention time and time again. Some think going to the same place...
2 May 2019
Wild Wye Creek (Part Two) - Wye Creek Bivvy
If you had to choose one town to visit in Aotearoa, and you love adventure and action, then Queenstown would be the obvi...
25 Apr 2019
Wild Wye Creek (Part One) - Wye Creek Bivvy
The expression ‘Work hard, go nowhere’ was the normal mantra most lived by when living in Queenstown. The place is a con...
23 Apr 2019
Crying Wolfe (Part Three) - Turret Range Traverse
Many times I had cruised the deep water of Lake Manapouri looking up at the peaks towering over West Arm. What starts as...
7 Apr 2019
A Little Bit Different (Part Three) - Mt Cuba(1449m)
While it is not a guarantee, doing something a little bit different to the norm in the outdoors can lead to an epic time...
15 Jan 2019
A Little Bit Different (Part One) - Mt Cuba(1449m)
While I do enjoy hiking the many classic hiking trails in Aotearoa, I prefer heading to places outside of the norm - usu...
14 Jan 2019
Borland Ridge - A Delightful Ridge Scramble
Most who look at Fiordland will do so from the base of the giants whose heads reach high into the sky. The stunning upli...
3 Dec 2018
See Ya Later Sleeping Mat (Part Two) - Mount Burns Tops
Nothing makes you feel more alive than exposure to the elements. Stripped back to human and clothing, and the rest is up...
22 Oct 2018
Red Skies Above (Part Two) - Takitimu Tops Camp
There are times when you don’t need a weather forecaster to tell you what the conditions will be like. Certain clouds or...
17 Mar 2018
Red Skies Above (Part One) - Takitimu Tops Camp
Late start. Less than favourable weather forecast. Camping on an exposed mountain side. Factors that might turn some awa...
17 Mar 2018
The Weather Says When (Part Three) - Mt Barber(1364m)
To arrive at a summit is a feeling like no other. Going from tired to elated the moment you top out is a strange sensati...
11 Feb 2018
The Weather Says When (Part Two) - Mt Barber(1364m)
A real benefit of working in the wilds of Fiordland is being in a safe position to watch the weather roll in. The entert...
10 Feb 2018
The Weather Says When (Part One) - Mt Barber(1364m)
When it is all said and done the weather says when it is time to either go on an adventure or in this case, when it is t...
9 Feb 2018
Round Two (Part Three). Dore Pass(1390m).
If you haven’t been there, looking at Fiordland on a map it seems as though travel would be easy as long as you stick to...
21 Jan 2018
Round Two (Part Two). Dore Pass(1390m)
For many years I sat in the bus heading to the start of the Routeburn Track and we would point out Dore Pass, the other...
21 Jan 2018
Round Two (Part One). Dore Pass(1390m)
It has been said that Fiordland is a place for the waterproof explorer. Many times I have watched my days off approach j...
20 Jan 2018
Overly Ambitious (Part One). Hanging Valley Camp
When I worked for Real Journeys I did my best to use every chance I had to get to remote places. From Percy Saddle to Pa...
16 Dec 2017
The Familiar Unknown (Part Three). Turret Peak(1346m)
The benefits of travel are helpful for mind, soul and fitness. And if all are combined then having an unenjoyable time i...
26 Nov 2017
The Familiar Unknown (Part Two) - Peak 1346m (Turret Range)
The 1:50 000 scale of topo maps in New Zealand does leave a lot to the imagination. A few simple orange lines grouped to...
26 Nov 2017
The Familiar Unknown (Part One) - Peak 1346m (Turret Range)
After having my first taste of the mountains west of Manapouri I was left with craving more like a hungry dog. But unlik...
25 Nov 2017
A Unique Opportunity (Part Two) - The Percy Saddle(1075m)
Getting to a place where there is no one is usually a big part of my outdoor adventures. These places are sometimes acce...
11 Nov 2017
A Unique Opportunity (Part One) - The Percy Saddle(1075m)
I have sometimes compared my love for the wild locations I have worked in to someone working in a fast-food kitchen (lik...
10 Nov 2017
U-Pass & Beyond (Part 4) - U-Pass Basin to Milford Road
I have always been someone who get to a viewing spot or high point, and wanted to go further if there is more up left on...
28 Apr 2017
U-Pass & Beyond (Part 3) - The U-Pass Glacier
Over time New Zealand has experienced some of the most rapid glacial recessions on the planet, and unfortunately this ha...
27 Apr 2017
U-Pass & Beyond (Part 2) - U-Pass Basin & Beyond
I always seem to sleep better when immersed in an adventure in the wild. One of the reasons is the amount of exercise yo...
27 Apr 2017
U-Pass and Beyond (Part 1) - Hut Creek to U-Pass
The size, mountainous nature, and heavy rain in Fiordland National Park means most of the incredible location is uninhab...
26 Apr 2017
Searching for a Mysterious Shelter - Grebe / Percy Valley
For all its twists and turns the Borland Road has so much to offer. Adventures can range from easy walking to hard hikin...
9 Apr 2017
Borland’s Skyscraper (Part Three) - Mt Burns(1645m)
Some people probably wonder why you would place yourself on a sketchy ridge with massive death drops either side. It can...
25 Mar 2017
Borland's Skyscraper (Part One) - Mt Burns(1645m)
Mount Burns(1645m) towers over the Borland Road like a huge skyscraper on a busy street in a booming metropolis. Jagged...
19 Mar 2017
It’s Not Going to Snow, It’s Summertime (Part Three) - Upper Wye Creek
On many occasions I have faced a storm head on and returned to tell a tale about it. There is something so satisfying ab...
17 Dec 2016
It's Not Going to Snow, It's Summertime - (Part One) Upper Wye Creek Camp
From a young age I have been fascinated by the weather. Living in New Zealand is a great way to experience all sorts of...
11 Dec 2016
Going Guided (Part Three). Whakatipu Ka Tuka / The Hollyford Track
Every now and then while guiding people around the special parts of Aotearoa I have had to patch up the odd whoopsie. So...
26 Jan 2016
Going Guided (Part One). Whakatipu Ka Tuka / The Hollyford Track
There are thousands of kilometres of tramping tracks in New Zealand that are free for anyone to use. Some are easy and s...
24 Jan 2016
The Best Way to Start to a New Year (Part Two) - Borland Saddle / Mt Burns Tarns
Waking up in the wilderness gives you a feeling like no other. The fresh air and bird song is at its best, and you feel...
1 Jan 2016
The Best Way to Start to a New Year (Part One) - Mt Burns New Years Camp
If the weather is fine and the mish goes to plan, then it does not matter what time of the year it is. However, in my ey...
31 Dec 2015
A Wet Night at Homer Hut (Part Three) - Homer Saddle / Homer Hut
The rain falling in Fiordland is an impressive sight. When you think the rain has reached its maximum fall rate, it turn...
21 Dec 2015
All Done & Dusted - Adventures in Nepal (Part Nine)
A lot of people think hiking for many days in a row is difficult. I find sitting still a more challenging task. The inau...
3 Nov 2015
Our Time in Gurdel - Adventures in Nepal (Part Eight)
When I tell people about my adventures in Nepal, usually the first question asked has something to do with Mt Everest. O...
3 Nov 2015
A Close Call (Part Two) - Mt Philistine Bluffs
A life without risk is a very basic existence. Most modern-day activities have some element of risk, however this should...
28 May 2015
A Dog's Unexpected Night Out - Balmacaan Stream
Dogs are a very cool additional enhancement to life. Always keen and caring, and of course they are always down for a mi...
23 May 2015
On Purpose - Mistake Creek (Part Two)
If prepared for the cold, then waking up in an area that has been hit by a severe frost is an epic way to start your day...
1 May 2015
On Purpose - Mistake Creek (Part One)
Mistake Creek is a stunning hike, and is one of three marked valleys that carve their way through the Earl Mountains, ne...
1 May 2015
Going Solo (Part Three) - Mt McPherson(1931m)
Fiordland’s famous road to Piopiotahi / Milford Sound does have some contrast when it comes to human activity. From bein...
17 Mar 2015
Going Solo (Part Two). Mt McPherson(1931m)
I’m sure many have got to the top / pinnacle / climax of a challenge, whether it be a track, mountain or even something...
16 Mar 2015
Going Solo (Part One) - Mt McPherson(1931m)
The art of soloing a mountain can be very rewarding, but also very dangerous depending on your desired target. Extra car...
15 Mar 2015
Big Backyard (Part Three) - Mt Hodgkinson(1486m).
Playtime for me as a kid was thousands of hours in my backyard. I would have explored every square inch over and over ag...
22 Jan 2015
The Sea of White - Climbers Corner, Haupapa Tasman Glacier
It is incredible that what you see from Aoraki Mt Cook Village is only a small taste of what’s on offer in the land of N...
21 Dec 2014
An Epic Afternoon - Borland Peak 1299m
Getting out and about is something everyone should do often. A wander amongst the mountains can clear any clouds in your...
3 Nov 2014
The Longest Driveway - Quail Flat (Part Two)
New Zealand’s longest driveway had taken us deep into the Kaikoura Mountains on a sunny day. The drive in had its moment...
25 Oct 2014
The Longest Driveway (Part One) - Quail Flat
Some call the 4WD road into the Clarence River via Blind Saddle New Zealand's longest driveway. At 30km+ it makes the tr...
25 Oct 2014
Appreciating the Past (Part Two) - Tribulation Hut
Hard work and long days were the norm for the musterers who used to roam the hills of Hakatere. Fences made their way ov...
1 Jul 2014
Crawling in the Wind (Part Three) - Erewhon Peak(2068m)
It is amazing what you will put up with to get to a summit and claim your prize. Summit fever is a condition that you so...
5 May 2014
Oldest Trail in the Park - Pass Creek Track
Going overseas to places like Japan and Nepal has shown me how young Aotearoa New Zealand really is. Hiking on a trail t...
3 May 2014
Potential Danger (Part Two) - Gertrude Saddle
“On a Mish’ #409 Potential Danger (Part Two). Gertrude Saddle. Fiordland National Park. 18.4.2014. I once went up Gertru...
18 Apr 2014
Potential Danger (Part One) - Gertrude Saddle
“On a Mish’ #409 Potential Danger (Part One). Gertrude Saddle. Fiordland National Park. 18.4.2014. The Gertrude Saddle w...
17 Apr 2014
In the Footsteps of William Grave (Part Three) - De Lambert Falls(59m)
I’m guessing that if you love rugby you picture yourself as your favourite professional player when you take to the fiel...
5 Mar 2014
Going Where There is Nobody - Foggy Peak(1741m)
A big reason I enjoy going into the mountains is to be in a place without people, no offence whanau! There is something...
12 Aug 2013
The Tin Tent for Two - Lagoon Saddle Hut
The Alpine Highway through the mountains from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass Village is littered with heaps of excellent h...
5 May 2013
Come See the Fiordland Rain (Part Four). The Milford Track 2013
Early-ish the next day we were off into the chill of a fresh new day, and along with yet another day of clear skies and...
25 Feb 2013
Come See the Fiordland Rain (Part Three) - The Milford Track 2013
Fiordland bathed in sunshine is what most see when dreaming, or viewing pictures advertising the unique area in the sout...
25 Feb 2013
Come See the Fiordland Rain (Part Two) - The Milford Track 2013
The physical benefits of hiking are an added bonus to what is already an awesome activity, but sometimes the weather can...
24 Feb 2013
Come See the Fiordland Rain (Part One) - The Milford Track 2013
I have always had difficulty doing any justice to describing Fiordland rain. It really is something you have to experien...
23 Feb 2013
Lost in Her Majesty's Mist (Part Two) - The Queens Drive
From a young age I became fascinated by the fruition of a forecast. The weather is something you can't avoid so you migh...
15 Feb 2013
The Other Way Home (Part Three) - Emily Pass(1607m).
A long time ago a young woman decided to tempt fate and go the ‘Other Way Home’ while hiking the Routeburn Track. With h...
17 Apr 2012
Let's Go This Way (Part Two) - Emily Pass(1607m)
Some places on the map don’t look like much of a mish until you are clambering your way towards them. Also some location...
17 Apr 2012
Let's Go This Way (Part One) - Emily Pass(1607m)
The brave dare to do something different, and for some this carves their names into the history books or even onto the m...
16 Apr 2012
Blown Away (Part Four) - Just below Wright Col to Muddy Creek
The wind is a funny old foe. It is something you can’t see, but you can hear it, sense it and also feel its effects when...
29 Jan 2012
Blown Away (Part Three) - Kea Basin to Wright Col (almost)
It is quite common to hear the expression ‘Blown Away’ when people are talking about New Zealand’s scenery. It is also c...
28 Jan 2012
Blown Away (Part One) - Queenstown to Muddy Creek
The few who fight the weather face a fearsome foe. When entering Mother Nature’s playground, it is best to know what you...
27 Jan 2012
So Close, And Yet So Far (Part Two) - Ben Lomond(1748m)
I have climbed above the Milford Road and I can say that it is weird to be on an exposed piece of rock with death drops...
25 Nov 2011
So Close, And Yet So Far (Part One) - Ben Lomond(1748m)
Some of our best hiking mountains sit so very close to towns. Having the option to climb a mountain directly from where...
24 Nov 2011
Head in the Clouds (Part Two) - Bowen Peak(1631m)
There is no feeling quite like standing on top of a mountain. With the clouds swirling around you, you get a sense of al...
4 Nov 2011
Head in the Clouds (Part One) - Bowen Peak(1631m)
For the most of it, New Zealand’s rugged scenery sits far from the populated areas. The harsh environment meant places c...
3 Nov 2011
The Trampers Mountain (Part Two) - Avalanche Peak(1833m)
Some mountains are ‘off-limits’ to those who don’t have the required skills to climb them. However, sometimes that doesn...
10 May 2011
Steep Forest & Waterfalls - Lake Roberts
One of the challenges I really enjoy about going on a mish is that fact that once you are out into the wild you have to...
20 Mar 2011
The Mailman’s Way (Part Two). Homer Saddle(1375m)
When sending an email just remember that communication used to be a little bit more difficult than it is these days. Now...
2 Feb 2011
The Mailman's Way (Part One) - Homer Saddle(1375m)
Seeing the sheer steepness of the mountains located in northwest Fiordland puzzles the mind. After my first experience i...
1 Feb 2011
Stunned by Spectacularness (Part Two). Caples / Greenstone Camp.
Calling any of New Zealand’s wilderness your ‘Office’ is a real treat, and a really good reason to get into the tourism...
23 Jan 2011
Stunned by Spectacularness (Part One). Caples / Greenstone Camp
It is no surprise that the Greenstone/Caples Loop is getting more popular with both Kiwis and visitors alike. Once the p...
23 Jan 2011
The Big Thumbs Up (Part Three) - Mt Xenicus(1912m).
Light breezes and sunshine, check. High up a mountain ridge, check. Outstanding views in every direction, double - no tr...
13 Jan 2011
The Rest Day (Part Two) - Livingstone / Cascade Creek Saddle
Some say the many rooms of McKellar Lodge are haunted by ghosts and there are many tales that back up this claim. Along...
5 Jan 2011
The Rest Day (Part One) - Livingstone / Cascade Creek Saddle
To get the views you must work for it, or hire a helicopter. Climbing mountains is a win win because you not only gain f...
4 Jan 2011
Pretty Sweet Scenery (Part Three) - Sugarloaf Pass(1154m)
Before our roads were modified into what we have today there used to be (and still are) crashes in places where the moun...
12 Aug 2010
Sweet As (Part Two) - Sugarloaf Pass(1154m)
I like to think that going on a mish is similar to having a meal. Just like with food the lack of hiking makes you hungr...
10 Aug 2010
Sweet As (Part One) - Sugarloaf Pass(1154m)
When I took a chance and took up the opportunity to work on the Routeburn Track my life changed in a very positive way....
9 Aug 2010
The Training Ground - Omawete Coopers Knob
Working on the Routeburn Track gave me an excellent way to earn some pay during the warmer months, and this also put in...
14 Jun 2010
Where's My Head Torch? (Part Three) - Black Peak(1989m)
Sometimes we learn the hard way and in the wild that can be a tough lesson to get through. Whether it be forgetting the...
10 May 2010
Where's My Head Torch (Part One) - Black Peak(1989m)
It seems that sometimes no matter how careful we are, we leave some part of our outdoor kit at home. For a long time I h...
8 May 2010
Top of the Hill (Part Two) - Conical Hill(1515m)
Topping out on a mountain can be a life changing experience. For many hiking the Routeburn Track Conical Hill(1515m) wil...
27 Feb 2010
The Top of the Hill (Part One) - Conical Hill(1515m)
Although life as a guide isn’t going to make you rich, it will reward you each day with the fact you're doing something...
26 Feb 2010
Follow a Man Named John Smith (Part Four) - Curraghmore Station
During my time working at the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves, I would occasionally meet the trappers who were going to do pest...
11 Aug 2009
Hut Etiquette (Part Two) - Packhorse Hut
During my time exploring the mountains of Aotearoa I have spent numerous nights in the many huts that are dotted through...
10 Jul 2009
Poor Etiquette at the Packhorse (Part One) - Packhorse Hut
I think that many of us would love to have a back country hut to themselves. A private little getaway in the mountains f...
9 Jul 2009
Wild Workplace (Part Four) - The Routeburn Track
Going from filing cabinets to flying in choppers was a welcome change, and it needed a spine fracture and bulging disk i...
22 Mar 2009
Wild Workplace (Part Three) - The Routeburn Track
You are not supposed to enjoy work. Well that’s what I used to think before getting a good as a guide on the Routeburn /...
20 Mar 2009