Tararua Fever

On episode 8, “The Best Backyard in the World (?!)”, is it a rhetorical question ? You bet your fever symptoms it is ! I am joined my mum and dad briefly to talk about some of the different things to think about for getting in and out of the access points and how logistics at times can be a little tricky. Allen also joins me for some Knob of the Week chat addressing one of the knobs that I have in fact been to (I am worried these will be limited). 

I am then joined by Celia Wade-Brown, the first member of Parliament to feature on ‘Walk N Talk’ who literally has the best backyard in the world ! We speak all things great about our experiences in the Tararua Ranges and some of the matters that we value most as well. And lastly I have organised the first Tararua Fever giveaway competition through a quiz question - so get out ya map and get listening. Send answers to [email protected].

You can also find us on Facebook now via this link where episodes and other updates will be posted - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576349080277

For Episode 7, Getting away for the SK, I am joined again by Allen, where we get deep into why I prefer tramping with mates over solo tramping – and then I share a trip that I indeed did do by myself. A tramp I like to call the Western Crossing from Kapakapanui to Kaitoke ! 

I am then joined by Tararua adventure extraordinaire, Andy Carruthers for Walk n Talk, where we discuss his documentary, Tararua SK. This session with Andy not only covers the mountain running community and doing the Tararua SK, but it also looks at how Andy discovered his passion for the in the Tarurua Ranges and how he got into making the documentary. The link for documentary is below and I don’t only recommend it for its amazing story, scenery and production, if you have seen it our interview will be easier to follow as well.

If you’re a bit weird like us then you likely have the Fever – the only cure is getting another dose !!

Tararua SK documentary and Andys blog - https://tararuask.com 

Sorry about the wait Folks ! On this post-Easter episode (6), I am joined by another good friend Kent. We relive our adventure of river walking up the Eastern Waitewaewae River to Island Forks and recount all the reasons why, if you have not been there or have not heard of it, you should go check it out !  

I am then, as always, joined by a special guest for Walk n Talk. This time it's a member of the Palmerston North Manawatū Tramping Club, and we discuss a range of topics from the club itself: from their role as a volunteer hut warden, to some of the many challenges concerning the Te Araroa Trail. If you have the Fever and you need a fix, it's all there waiting for you !  

On this episode of Tararua Fever we are slip'n and slid'n to the Forks in more ways than one - We start with a quick and small Tararua101 on the main rivers of the Tararua Ranges - But do not worry, the 101 will extend a bit more each ep on different topics. I am then joined by my good friend Georgia about our Winter trip a while ago to Neil Forks and speak about despite it being a straightforward trip some of the variables that trampers may have to face when tramping in the middle of winter. 

I am then joined by a very topical guest for Walk n Talk from the Kapiti Coast District Council to discuss the progress being made on the slip at Otaki Forks and the exciting prospect of having full access to the Forks in the near future. 

Hope you enjoy folks and apologies in the delay on getting this one out. I hope in the meantime you have been getting your Tararua fix by getting out there and into the thick of it. Enjoy !

Join us for Episode 4, ‘Ampin for Campin’ where my best mate, Al, and I, go on a tramp and the camp out for the night. We face the literal ups and downs of the rugged Tarurua ranges,  stare down in to the abyss (cliff tops) from great heights, come face to face with possum monsters and more ! 

I am then joined by a very cool member of the Tararua Tramping Club to discuss a bit about who and what the club is, different trip stories and generally why we love the Ranges so much. If ya don’t have it yet, then you better go catch it – the Fever is real. Enjoy !  

In Episode 3 of Tararua Fever, I am joined by my lovely darling to discuss a ‘coast-to-coast’ trip we did a year ago that went from the Holdsworth road end in the Wairarapa, to up and over Maungahuka and out to the Kapiti Coast. We discuss the literal and metaphorical highs and lows of that trip and some of the particularly gnarly sections of coming off Maungahuka – Yikes !  

I then turn to a special guest to discuss some of the technology of the gear and garments we use when out in the harsh environment and some of the best ways to maintain them. If at all along the way you feel yourself a bit dizzy but the need to carry a heavy pack, you may just have the Fever ! 

In Episode 2 of Tararua Fever I explore the difficulty of planning a nice easy stroll in the Tararua Ranges. I speak of a previous trip with some friends where we had to slightly pivot on the original plan. I look into what we were looking for in an ‘easy trip’ for the weekend and a lesson learnt for me in not underestimating distances and difficulty that can come up with any trip. 

I also host a special guest from the Hutt Valley Tramping Club to speak about the club, how they got involved, and a few former trip experiences to finish with. On all accounts, we are delirious with the Fever !!

In this first episode of Tararua Fever I introduce the concept of what this podcast is all about, who I am, why I love tramping in the Tararua Ranges and a segment on a previous tramp of the Northern Crossing. I then host the first interview with a very special guest about a another past trip we have done. 

The quality of the recording is below average, and this is my first time as a podcaster, but if listeners are keen on the content then I hope you enjoy - it will get better over time  !!