Howletts Hut, Ruahine Forest Park — I often get surprised by the number of people who ask me if I tramp in winter, as if the short days and freezing temperatures should be a hinderance to getting into the hills. Who am I to complain, the myth that tramping is a summer thing keeps the tracks…

Mt Reeves and Tutuwai Hut, Tararua Forest Park — On Thursday I sat in my office chair looking out the 11th floor window at the bustling world of the city and thought “I ought to plan a trip tomorrow”. The only problem was that my car had failed it’s warrant of fitness and I was left without wheels. Not…

Kapakapanui circuit and Waiotauru Hut, Tararua Forest Park — I usually try and avoid solo tramping. I’m one of those annoying extroverts that enjoys the socialising, and going in a party means that there are ample subjects to photograph. However, sometimes the stars do not align or opportunities are just too good to miss. Lucy had invited me to…

Mid-Waiohine — Jumbo — Holdsworth, Tararua Forest Park — I live my life a quarter-mile at a time. The difference between Vin Diesel and me is that that quarter mile takes a heck of a lot longer when you’re slogging it up a hill rather than dragracing to somehow save the world in a never-ending cringeworthy franchise. Nonetheless, speed…

Sayer Hut and Neill Forks Hut, Tararua Forest Park — I just can’t say no. A third weekend in a row I found myself bundled into a car on route to the Tararuas. Our plan was to have a leisurely walk into Sayer Hut, before continuing on to Neill Forks the next day and then finally walking out. Tim was…

Maungahuka and the Snowy River — Tararua Forest Park — The Tararua Ranges are punctuated by ‘classic’ tramps, routes trodden by trampers over many decades. Of these, the southern and northern crossings are perhaps the most well known, but I would assert that the traverse of the main south range, from Junction Knob to Bridge Peak, is the most spectacular…

Cattle Ridge — Dundas Circuit, Tararua Forest Park — Public holidays sound like a great idea, until the reality of fitting five days’ worth of work into four hits home. Our eyes had been set on the Kaweka Range for an Easter trip, but in a manic lead up to Good Friday all plans were up in the air…

Douglas Range, Kahurangi National Park — Three imposing rocky pinnacles tower over the headwaters of the Anatoki River, the Dragons Teeth. …

Renata Hut, Tararua Forest Park — Roads are convenient things, often providing easy access to the playgrounds of trampers. That being said, ‘road-walking’ is often something thought to be best avoided if at all possible. A trip down Odlins Road (aka Waiotauru Rd) presents a unique exception to this rule. When I was trying to think…