Innholdsfortegnelse for October/November 2025 i Adventure Magazine

The government's systematic dismantling of outdoor education in New Zealand schools represents nothing short of educational vandalism. While politicians obsess over STEM subjects that artificial intelligence will inevitably render obsolete, they're dumbing down the one discipline that actually prepares young New Zealanders for their future economy. Mathematics and traditional science jobs are disappearing faster than snow in summer. AI already solves complex equations and analyses data with unprecedented speed. However, no algorithm can safely guide groups through the Southern Alps. No chatbot can read the tension in a team facing equipment failure on Milford Sound or teach the kind of resilience that emerges under real pressure, when instant decisions need to be made. New Zealand's economy runs on adventure. Tourism contributes over $16 billion annually, employing hundreds of thousands of…

Tucked deep in the limestone hills of New Zealand’s Waitomo region lies Tumu Tumu Farm, a 1,400-hectare adventure playground steeped in legacy, landscape, and adrenaline. For over four generations, the Kay family has called this rugged stretch of native bush, pastureland, and glowworm-filled caverns home. And now, they’re sharing it with the world. The story begins in 1964, when Sue and Bill Kay moved to Waitomo. Over the years, the farm grew under the care of their son Chris, who, alongside his wife Louise, expanded the operation in the late ‘80s, acquiring neighbouring properties and transforming a classic Kiwi farm into a hub of outdoor discovery. Today, the Kays are not only raising livestock, but raising the bar for eco-adventure tourism in Aotearoa. From steep limestone country that grazes sheep…

Towering at 5,199 meters (17,057 feet), Mt. Kenya is Africa’s second-highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic alpine scenery, jagged summits, and ancient glaciers. It's a challenge that demands strength, endurance, and heart, qualities that two young hikers recently displayed in full. Against thin air, steep trails, and icy mornings, 12-year-old twins Isla and Niamh, along with their parents, climbed to the summit of Lenana Peak, the third highest of Mt Kenya's peaks. at 4,985 meters (16,355 feet), proving that age is no limit to adventure. This is the inspiring story of how they reached the roof of Kenya, one determined step at a time. Based in the small coastal community of Pigeon Bay on New Zealand’s Banks Peninsula, the family of four has long…

There was a period in the latter part of 2024 when American Nathan Longhurst felt almost invincible. Such a mindset was advantageous, even necessary, for the more audacious climb-and-fly linkups of his mission: to summit all the mountains on the NZ Alpine Club's 100 Peaks list in one season. “Not necessarily invincible, but I felt like I could launch off any mountain, whenever I wanted to. I could fly wherever. I could do anything,” he said, in an interview two weeks after completing the project. “And this was an excellent feeling, and even sort of necessary for executing that part of the project. But certainly not sustainable.” The list, released in 1991 in the club's centennial year, aimed to entice climbers of all levels into the mountains. By then, Kiwi…

Fragile, flimsy and obviously freezing cold, the snow cave looked as inviting as an ice bath. Tension amongst the group was palpable as they stared at the dark, narrow opening that signalled the entranceway. Logic gnawed. It felt wrong to use all that energy building the ice-shelter and then decide not to spend the night living in it. It was a bit like climbing a mountain and ignoring the view. Memorable though the experience might be, they faced a choice between a night entombed within the close, frozen walls of the cave or an evening back at the hut with a fireplace, warm and dry bedding, and a hot shower. At least one member had reason to turn around and head down the mountain. Antz’s tramping experiences began in the…

If someone told me that my first foray into trekking would be tackling Everest Base Camp, I would have laughed out loud. I was and had always been a corporate worker. A pair of heels was the norm on my feet, not a pair of trekking boots. Although I loved to travel the world and explore cultures and communities with a large love of history and ancient civilisations, my travels from a young age involved family self-drive holidays around Europe and later, travel agent famils to tropical islands. I wouldn't say any of my travels were luxurious; but they were definitely not camping or trekking either. When the opportunity presented itself to head away to the Himalaya on a trek, a few things crossed my mind: Nepal is definitely not…

Last week I was offered another trail shoe to try out. At first glance I thought that these spicy mustard-coloured beauties looked too handsome for trails. I chucked them on and took them out walking the dogs. At first impression I thought that the oversize tongue, designed to keep the gravel out, would be a bit abrasive and annoying but it is made of a soft material that wraps around your ankle offering a nice snug feel. The soles are quite thick, and they felt nice and spongy. I did a quick little run up a couple of trails near home and they felt awesome, but how would they grip in a trail race? I had a race coming up the next day in the Waiuku forest, gravel forest roads…

Thanks to Bobo/Salewa for supplying this image for the cover. There’s something timeless about two people walking side by side through wild country. It could be a mountain track, a riverbank, or the deep silence of a forest. The wilderness experience has a way of stripping things back to essentials. You carry what you need, you earn the views, and you learn that both reward and challenge come hand in hand. It doesn’t matter if you’re shouldering a heavy pack on the Dusky Track or strolling the coastal paths of Abel Tasman, there’s a trail here for every skill level, every ambition, and every pace. That sort of accessibility is rare in today’s world. Many countries lock their wild places behind gates or fees, but in Aotearoa, most of us…

When people ask me what I love doing the most in the outdoors, my answer is always ‘paddleboarding, but it’s more than you think’. When I say the words ‘stand up paddleboarding (SUP)’, the image that might come to your mind is a gentle pootle around a sheltered bay. It’s relaxing, it’s picturesque, it’s perhaps without too much skill - after all, how much is there really to learn when it comes to paddleboarding? A love of adventure paddling I started paddleboarding seven years ago, looking for a low impact sport to help me recover from injury and I was quickly addicted to the feeling of standing on water and being with the sounds of nature as I exercised. I joined a race club, obsessed over improving my technique and…

Adventure racing is making a resurgence in this country with the increasing popularity of established events like the Kaikoura AR, Marakopa Munter, Merrell Spring Challenge and True West, the addition of an exciting new one The MAGNIficent and the comeback of an old favourite One NZ GODZone which is scheduled to be held in Marlborough in November-December. So, I thought it would be timely to put pen to paper, or two fingers to the keyboard, and provide some useful insights into the sport to help newbies prepare for and compete in these epic races. You might be thinking who is this idiot and what the heck does he know about adventure racing? And that’s a fair question. Sure, I’ve done a few races but I’m definitely not Nathan Fa’avae. The…

Tongariro National Park, located in the central North Island of New Zealand, is not just a scenic landmark, it's a hardened training ground for outdoor adventurers. This is the oldest national park in New Zealand (established in 1887) and the fourth oldest in the world, and its volcanic spine defines everything about it. Centered around three active volcanoes;Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, this is a place where geothermal activity, unpredictable weather, and raw terrain dictate the terms of engagement. At 796 square kilometers, the park's scale allows for a wide range of activities that vary by season and elevation. For hikers, the draw is obvious. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often billed as one of the best one-day treks in the world. The 19.4-kilometer route passes through lava flows, craters, steep…

There are only a few hikes in the world that compare to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing; a 20.2km journey through steaming vents, lava flows, jewel-toned crater lakes, and sacred peaks. For decades, it has held an almost mythic place in Aotearoa’s outdoor culture and drawn over 140,000 people each year from across the globe. But now, it’s entering a new chapter, one with a price tag. From 2027, international visitors will be charged a fee to walk the Crossing, while Kiwis will still walk for free, a decision that’s sparking important conversations about conservation, access, and the future of our trails. As someone who’s hiked this volcanic landscape more than once, I believe it’s time to ask: what does this change mean, not just for hikers, but for the land,…

New Zealand’s backcountry, rivers and remote areas offer unique experiences, but they also present serious risks. Even those with years of outdoor knowledge can end up in situations where training and preparation are no longer enough. Earlier this year, a highly experienced kayaker ran into exactly that situation. He set off on a familiar section of the Tongariro River expecting a short solo trip. He never anticipated that a minor mistake would separate him from his kayak, his phone, and any way to call for help. For several hours, he waited on the riverbank, cold and increasingly aware of how limited his options were. The temperature dropped. He knew he couldn’t climb back upstream or swim across. His only strategy was to stay put and hope someone noticed he was…

If there's one shift quietly revolutionizing how Kiwi trampers, hunters, and bikers sleep outdoors, it’s the move from traditional sleeping bags to modern quilts. For many, embracing a quilt isn’t just about shaving grams from their kit - it’s about changing the whole backcountry experience for the better. For decades, sleeping bags dominated the outdoor sleeping scene. Their mummy-shaped insulation was synonymous with cold nights under canvas, wind-lashed bivies, or the comfort of a hut in the hills. But innovation has moved on, and so should the expectations of modern trampers, hunters, and all outdoors lovers looking for the ultimate sleep system! When Kiwi Ultralight began manufacturing quilts tailored for New Zealand conditions, there was some skepticism: who would give up half their sleeping bag? Over time, though, users have…

The rhythmic crunch of boots on earth, the steady inhalation of mountain air, the gentle sway of pack straps against shoulders: hiking creates its own meditation without requiring a single cushion or chanted mantra. While millions seek inner peace in quiet rooms with crossed legs, the trail offers something equally profound, a moving meditation that feeds both body and soul through the simple act of placing one foot in front of the other. When we step onto a trail, we enter what researchers call a “soft fascination” environment. Unlike the hard attention demanded by urban life (dodging traffic, responding to notifications, processing endless stimuli), nature captures our awareness gently. The dappled light filtering through canopy, the distant call of a hawk, the texture of bark beneath fingertips: these elements engage…

“Outdoor Education offers more than physical activity or outdoor excursions. It fosters essential competencies of critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, and resilience.” Before I became involved in the magazine business, I was a passionate Physical Education and Outdoor Education teacher. I loved every second of my job and watched my students thrive from the participating in everything these subjects offered. I was immensely proud when Physical Education and Outdoor Education grew from “filler” subjects, to stand-alone subjects, recognised for the valuable role they play in the all-round academic, mental and physical development of our youth. So it was disappointing to hear that the Ministry of Education was considering undermining that growth by removing Outdoor Education from the senior subject list. To explain… In a nutshell, the New Zealand Ministry of…

From snow-dusted summits to native forests and rugged trails, Ruapehu is the ultimate springtime destination for those who crave nature with a side of adrenaline. Travel with intention, embrace the wild, and let the landscape push your limits in ways you won’t forget. Day 1: Spring Ski on Mt Ruapehu When spring conditions align, Mt Ruapehu delivers unforgettable alpine action. Choose between Whakapapa and Tūroa ski areas for snow sports, sledding, and panoramic sightseeing. After a day on the slopes, settle into one of the nearby alpine villages and enjoy the laid-back après ski atmosphere. Day 2: Mountain Biking the Backcountry Ruapehu’s terrain is built for bold riders and beginners alike, offering a mix of challenge and discovery. Each trail carves through native bush and cross towering historic viaducts. The…

New Zealand's North Island harbours one of the planet's most extraordinary single-day treks, where hikers traverse an active volcanic wasteland that seems borrowed from another planet. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging, yet rewarding hike across an active volcanic landscape, earning recognition as one of the world's finest day walks through its combination of raw geological drama and stunning natural beauty. The crossing demands respect from the moment you set foot on the trail. GRADE: The physical challenges are considerable but manageable for properly prepared hikers. The Tongariro Crossing features diverse surfaces and terrain that challenge and enchant hikers; well-maintained boardwalks and steps in some sections, loose scoria on steeper parts. Weather adds another variable, as there is no shade on Tongariro Alpine Crossing, leaving hikers exposed to New…

Let me start with an overview of the status of Cospassarsat who provide the satellite system internationally to achieve the alerts from an activated 406MHz PLB. Assuming that you can be seen by the newer satellite system, the NZ Rescue Coordination centre will have received your alert via the Medium-Earth Orbit (MEOSAR) satellites in near real time with more accuracy than the older system GEOSAR and LEOSAR which are still operating. What is also helping is that the GPS position transmitted by the 406MHZ PLB is fast and accurate within a very short timeframe. Because of our mountainous terrain, it is possible that you can be shielded from the MEOSAR system which is a fixed low altitude network of satellites in fixed position over New Zealand. The information receipted by…