Every trip report
Filter by region, type of trip or dog missions — or search the whole South Island backcountry.
All trip reports
Savaged By Sandflies (Part One) - Borland Rock Bivouac
I always have to remind myself that Te Namu(Sandflies) are only encountered in the most clean and pristine areas of New...
The Wairaurahiri River - Part 2
The ruggedness of the South Fiordland coastline was living up to its rough reputation. The Southern Ocean was choppy, he...
The Wairaurahiri River - Part 1
I strongly believe that anybody selling a tourism product has to have experienced the product! Nothing worse than hearin...
Leave Our Forest Alone - Kiwi Burn Hut
I remember visiting this excellent little hut, located in the pristine bush of the Snowdon Forest, during the times of t...
Two Thumbs Up (Part Three) - Peak 2163m(Two Thumb Range)
To take strides into a new area can both be fascinating and provide fitness for the fortunate folks who are lucky enough...
Two Thumbs Up (Part Two) - Peak 2163m(Two Thumb Range)
My classic and sometimes very frustrating answer to the question ‘what is your favourite track, trail or trek’ is ‘one I...
Two Thumbs Up (Part One) - Peak 2163m(Two Thumb Range)
Aotearoa New Zealand is a small country and yet it seems so big when tackling the place on foot. In Te Waipounamu South...
Definitely Worth the Stop - Lake Alexandrina
Having a summer job down south guiding, and a winter job managing McEwings ski shop in Christchurch, has meant driving t...
Bare, Barren and Beautiful - Swin River Camp
It is interesting how a bare and barren mountain landscape can be as visually appealing as a mountain covered in classic...
Towering Above Coleridge - Peak Hill(1240m)
I can really understand why the famous 'Terrace Downs Resort' is built where it is. After climbing over the foothills, n...
A Freezing Fool (Part Four) - Cameron Hut
The sanctuary of a remote hut can seem so much better when you have had a real fight to get to it. The small hut at the...
A Freezing Fool (Part Three) - Cameron Hut
Hiking, climbing, and exploring puts me into a mediative like state where time is much different that when in the ‘real...
A Freezing Fool (Part Two) - Cameron Hut
Most pastimes are less committing than going on a good mish. For instance, if you like playing chess it doesn’t mean you...
A Freezing Fool (Part One) - Cameron Hut
Many times on my missions I have leant outdoor lessons in a very lifelike situation. Most of the time it has been little...
Not Part of the Day's Plan - Steep Face Hill(1876m)
We really are spoiled for choice when it comes to mountain landscapes in New Zealand, especially in the South Island. In...
Fourteen Months to get to a Hut (Part Two) - Boundary Creek / Dogs Hill
Hiking to a hut is a passtime enjoyed by many people around the world. Sometimes I almost feel guilty about how many hut...
Fourteen Months to Get to a Hut (Part One) - Boundary Creek Hut
During the winter of 2012 I went for a hike with the intention of staying in Boundary Creek Hut. Unfortunately, on that...
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...
Isolation (Part Three) - Sudden Valley Bivouac
There are a few shows on TV these days which make a big deal out of being alone in the wild. I like to go out of my way...
Isolation (Part Two) - Sudden Valley Bivouac
While some seek the pleasure of company, others search for solace while traveling solo in the serenity of sweet scenery....
Isolation (Part One) - Sudden Valley Bivouac
I find something very inviting about going outdoors into the wilderness alone. To place yourself in total isolation can...
Back for More Mish (Part Three) - Double Hut / Taylor Range
Nothing like waking up wrapped up in your sleeping bag and seeing your breath in the cold air. It is like a battle betwe...
Welcome to My World (Part Two) - Double Hut / Taylor Range
For all the negative press that it gets, cold weather is pretty cool! Those who haven’t seen what snow and ice can do to...
Welcome to My World (Part One) - Double Hut / Taylor Range
A lot of my missions are by myself, attacking a track, hill or just camping area solo. I have no problem with heading ou...