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Jam Hut via George Saddle: Lost in a Maze of Boulders
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Matiri Range: Finding the Needle in the Haystack on the 1000 Acre Plateau
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Two Thumb Range: The Dog Kennel, Kea’s Loot & Trojan War
A spectacular off-track 5 day loop in the Two Thumb Range from Mesopotamia over Brabazon Saddle, Inkerman Saddle, Alma Col and Balaclava Saddle. The Two Thumb Range in Canterbury’s Te Kahui Kaupeka Conservation Area offers some rugged and remote tramping experiences through impressive, glacial valleys. A rewarding stop at Mount Somers Village Our recent mission…
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The Wye Creek Route: A Remarkables Range Traverse
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Chasing more adventure: Beyond the Earnslaw Burn Track & Rock Biv
Often underestimated, the Earnslaw Burn Track is a Southern Alps classic near Queenstown. While many are drawn by the towering waterfalls and hanging glacier, navigating the windfall-heavy bush and unpredictable mountain weather requires solid planning. A night in the Earnslaw Burn Rock Bivvy and more adventurous off track route make this trip more adventurous than…
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Whakaari Conservation Area: Discovering “White Gold” & Spectacular Views
Bus Timetable Magic & “White Gold” With only two days before my flight out of Queenstown, I needed a tramp that aligned with local transport. Fortunately, the Cromwell and Glenorchy bus timetables synced perfectly to get me to Whakaari Conservation Area. The driver was even kind enough to drop me directly at the start of…
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Lake Chalice & Old Man Circuit in Richmond Forest Park
Lake Chalice and the Old Man Circuit in Richmond Forest Park is a fantastic weekend tramp. The route goes past the peaceful Lake Chalice before climbing up to Old Man peak that is part of the Richmond Range Alpine Route. Our trip involved clearing road blockages, navigating swollen rivers and a surreal summer snowstorm. It…
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Exploring Ferny Gair: Lake Alexander and beyond
If you’ve ever found yourself hunting for elusive backcountry spots off the beaten track, navigating “geographical embarrassment,” or frogmarching a hiking buddy up a 1,670-meter peak for 360-degree views, you’ll feel right at home in Ferny Gair Conservation Area. Lake Alexander in Ferny Gair Conservation Area is a hidden gem that many people have probably…
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Climbing Mt Adams: A Gateway to the Adams Wilderness Area
Climbing Mt Adams: The Ultimate Warm-up for the Garden of Eden There’s no better way to prepare for a Garden of Eden traverse than by climbing the 2,000-metre peak that shares its name with the wilderness area. Situated on the edge of the Adams Wilderness Area in the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana, Mt…
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Leatham Molesworth Route: A 5-day trip full of magic
Looking for an off-the-beaten-track backcountry adventure in New Zealand? The Leatham-Molesworth Route is a rugged, 5-day tramping route tucked away in Marlborough’s stunning Leatham Conservation Area. Covering roughly 100 km of marked through unmarked river valleys, scree slopes, and high-country saddles like Severn Saddle, this remote circuit offers wild alpine views, cozy Department of Conservation…
