Innholdsfortegnelse for December/January 2025 i Adventure Magazine

As 2024 draws to a close, it feels like we've stumbled into a DeJa'Vu alternate reality. On December the 5th, as fireworks loomed, the world stood and said ‘WTF', as Donald Trump avalanched into the White House… again! Just when you thought the world might catch its breath, the United States re-elects Donald Trump. Yep, again. Over hall of American voters decided to reboard the Trump express, a political rollercoaster that's as divisive as it is unpredictable. And while the rest of the world collectively mutters, “You've got to be kidding me,” the candidate with the most votes wins, and here we are. The ripples? They're crossing oceans, from Washington to Wellington. Economic chatter hints at tighter tariffs, a potential end to free trade agreements, and an isolationist U.S. policy…

Chilean wingsuit daredevil Sebastián Álvarez just rewrote the rulebook on adrenaline sports, pulling off a jaw-dropping trifecta that's never been done before. Picture this: leaping from a helicopter at 12,000 feet, sky-surting in freefall, swooping under a parachute, and then landing—mid-flight—onto the world's longest artificial wave at Surt Abu Dhabi. All while riding a surfboard strapped to his feet. Full story: www.adventuremagazine.co.nz TE ARA MANGAWHERO – A NEW LINK IN THE MOUNTAINS TO SEA NETWORK The first stage of Te Ara Mangawhero, a 21,4km eco-tourism trail, has officially opened, connecting Tūroa and Ohakune on the slopes of Maunga Ruapehu. This new section strengthens the Mountains to Sea route, providing a unique opportunity for hikers and cyclists to explore one of New Zealand's most striking landscapes. The trail stretches from the…

In summer 2014, after two months of preparations and the generous help of many supporters, I finally found myself heading out into the Sound again. It took a lot of persuasion to make the boat driver go all the way up into this rarely visited part of the Sound. But on an early afternoon in mid-July I arrived at the small cabin secretly nestled in between the waterline and steep forested mountain slopes; my remote wilderness home base for the next 2 months. I unloaded my kayak and the rest of the gear, waved at the driver and watched his boat disappear into the distance. I settled into the cabin and started the simple yet comfortable way of wilderness living that I had hoped for. My mind was free of…

The Red Bull Rampage—famed for testing the limits of the world's top big-mountain riders—made history with the debut of its women's competition. Seven fearless freeride athletes dropped into the rugged terrain of Virgin, Utah, and left no doubt that women's mountain biking has reached a whole new level of gnarliness. When the dust settled, Rotorua's own Robin Goomes claimed the top spot with a line that packed a serious punch. Kiwi, Goomes, stunned the judges with her bold riding, including not one but two massive backflips that had jaws dropping across the desert floor. Her performance earned her 85 points and the Utah Sports Commission's Best Trick Award, a sweet bonus for the Kiwi. But it wasn't just the flips—Goomes stomped a jaw-dropping 41-foot drop and cleaned a sketchy technical…

There are a few things that make up the best mountain biking in the world. Friends, terrain & town and Whistler has all of these in spades. In New Zealand our biking mecca is Rotorua, in Canada it's Whistler! Whistler is one of the largest resorts in North America, with some of the best lift-accessed park riding with epic downhills and wicked cross country trails. Plus an abundance of lakes and parks where you can swim, hang out on a beach and hire kayaks or paddle boards. With two villages that give you the choice of Whistler's bright lights or Creekside's mellow pubs and cafes. Canadian hospitality means even if you're there on your own it won't be for long. We love staying at Creekside as it's a bit quieter…

Areliable head torch is essential when it comes to any adventure, whether you're night tramping, setting up camp in the dark, or navigating tricky terrains. Here's what you should look for when picking the most appropriate one for your next escapade: BRIGHTNESS (MEASURED IN LUMENS) PRO TIP: A head torch with around 150-300 lumens is great for most outdoor activities. The brighter, the better—but only to a point. Lumens measure how much light a head torch emits. While ultrabright beams (500+ lumens) are perfect for night hiking or trail running, you don't need this much for close-up tasks like cooking at camp or reading in your tent. Look for adjustable brightness settings to tailor your light for various activities. PRO TIP: IPX4 is usually enough for most adventures, but if you're headed…

You are not going to meet a nicer guy than Tikanui Smith, he's an amazing surfer, full of Tahitian spirit of fun and friendship. He either calls you Brother or Uncle, and he means it. Once you have met, drank a few Hinano's or chased some waves together, you are like family. Tika sent us this image from a secrete spot in Tahiti just to remind us to come back for a visit. Hope this issue's cover shot inspires you. Where: Somewhere in French Polynesia ha-ha. How it was shot: By my SailVideoSystem harness and GoPro360. What is happening: I just made a big drop on one of the biggest wave I caught in my home break. I was surfing with 3 other local friends and it was a crazy…

Rambo Estrada is one of New Zealand's most prominent surf & ocean photographers, renowned for his ability to capture the raw beauty of Aotearoa's coastlines and the essence of its surf culture. With over two decades of photography experience and a deep passion for exploring remote coastlines, Rambo has made his mark on the international surf scene. His unique style blends adventure with artistry, and his works often reflect a profound connection with the land and sea. Where did the concept for the book come from? The concept for Unbound: Vol 1 came from my love of road trips and the beauty of New Zealand's remote coastlines. I wanted to share the images I captured and stories from the interesting characters I've encountered in my travels. It was also a…

Vanuatu adventure traveller Vanuatu has been named one of the top destinations in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025, landing at #8 on their mustvisit list. This recognition celebrates the country's blend of natural beauty, rich cultural history, and untouched island experiences—making it a top choice for travellers with a sense of adventure in 2025. Lonely Planet's selection process is rigorous, considering factors like unique experiences, the ‘wow' factor, and a country's dedication to sustainability, diversity, and its communities. Vanuatu ticks all the boxes, standing tall among a world of travel options. Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO, Adela Issachar Aru, calls this a tremendous honour. “This recognition puts Vanuatu on the world stage, opening our islands to new eyes,” she said. “We're proud of our commitment to sustainability and to preserving…

Fiji adventure traveller Looking to combine your next tropical getaway with a dose of purpose? BULA Reef at Plantation Island Resort in Fiji offers not just crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, but a front-row seat to one of the most groundbreaking coral restoration projects in the world. Situated off the Malolo District coast, BULA Reef is now the world's largest coral rescue effort. Over a thousand heat-adapted "super corals" were transplanted here, pulled from extreme heat stress areas. These were regions where marine heatwaves threatened to wipe out coral populations. While most corals left in those hot zones perished, BULA Reef is thriving, showcasing the resilience of these specially selected corals. This project is part of the C4C's UNendorsed Reefs of Hope initiative, the first-ever coral-focused climate adaptation effort…

“A towering mountain lost in the mist, of massive snow domes and cataracts of ice, and of smooth black rock walls rising from deep valleys of lush sodden forest.” So reads the beginning of Peter Robinson's essay on the first ascent of the southeast ridge of Tutoko, Monarch of the Darrans, the highest peak in Fiordland at 2723m. It's named after the last local rangatira (chief), who lived at Martin's Bay where the Hollyford River meets the Tasman Sea. The first attempt to climb Mt Tutoko was in 1895. A party led by Malcolm Ross thought they'd succeeded, only to later discover they'd climbed neighbouring peak Mt Madeline (2536m), and only her lower west peak. It was another quarter century before another serious attempt, this time led by the incorrigible…

Ahead of me Steve was moving across the steep slope like an expert, effortlessly picking his way around supplejack vines, lush ferns, and fallen logs. Meanwhile, I was noisily stumbling and staggering my way through the shrubbery like a lost and desperate drunk. I could not see the point in stopping to refresh bait stations –my raucous approach must have frightened any local pests to death by now. It did not need to be like this. We could have chosen a line of more accessible traps. I did wonder if this was a test, but Steve reassured me that he regularly walked this line of stations, checking and replenishing baits. Clearly it was time to toughen up. Looking for motivation, I reminded myself why this project was so important. Thirty…

On Saturday, 21 September, Queenstown's iconic Red Bull Homerun delivered its signature brand of high-octane chaos at The Remarkables. With 250 skiers and snowboarders charging from the mountain's summit to its base at breakneck speeds, the event again proved why it's known as the wildest massparticipant snow race around in New Zealand. "It's epic every time. This is what the end of the season is all about — sending it down the hill and celebrating with everyone." Record-Breaking Runs and Wacky Costumes Willis Feasey claimed the title of fastest skier, completing the descent in an astonishing 1 minute, 34 seconds. Not far behind, José Luis Vázquez Tenorio secured the fastest snowboarder accolade with a time of 2 minutes, 13 seconds. Their blistering speeds set the tone for a day filled…

New Zealand has no shortage of spectacular tracks; but if you want real adventure, you're best served by going off-trail. The 5 Passes Route in Mount Aspiring National Park is one of New Zealand's more demanding yet rewarding offtrail adventures. The roughly 56-kilometer loop, typically completed in 5-6 days, presents a great reward for seasoned trampers, requiring robust navigation skills and off-trail pathfinding through bush and unmarked climbs. For my wife and I, this adventure marked the last notable trip betore founding Kiwi Ultralight. We tackled the 5 Passes with a kit filled almost entirely with homemade ultralight gear. Our streamlined setup meant a lighter load on sharp ascents and quicker maneuvers when bushwhacking through thick underbrush. Pushing the gear to its limits while navigating rugged, off-trail terrain was the…

Tahiti adventure traveller Visiting Tahiti begins the moment you step into the Air Tahiti Nui companionway. As you walk up the gangway to the welcoming doors of your Air Tahiti Nui Dreamliner, a faint scent of frangipani fills the air, and the soft sound of ukulele music and melodic voices surround you, setting the tone for the journey ahead. I'm certain, Air Tahiti Nui is the only airline that places a flower in your hair as you board—a small, memorable touch that lets you know your voyage has begun. Once airborne, the chilly Auckland winter fades away as the warmth of the tropics beckons. The onboard crew, dressed in formal uniforms at the start of the flight, soon transitioned into vibrant, traditional attire, a perfect reflection of the island's spirit.…