Thousand Acres Plateau and the Matiri Valley, Kahurangi National Park — Some features on the map catch the passing eye. Distinct landforms etched by the passage of time that peak the curiosity. The southern Matiri Range is one of these places, a prehistoric limestone remnant of the seafloor thrust high above the surrounding landscape — the Thousand Acres Plateau and the…

High Ridge loop, Tararua Forest Park — I hurriedly crammed miscellaneous bits of tramping gear into my 40 litre pack as Nye stared pensively on. Following my own weekend plans being cancelled I belatedly attached myself onto a Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club (WTMC) that had been rerouted to the High Ridge. …

Penn Creek Hut, Tararua Forest Park — As I walk down Lambton Quay on my way to work I blend into the stream of beige suits and frowning faces. For all intents and purposes it is an ordinary Monday morning. But I have a secret. Beneath my buttoned shirt and suit pants I harbour a thousand cuts…

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 its 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…