Tararua Fever is back! And today we're diving straight into an episode that's all about one of the few things every tramper hopes they'll never need — search and rescue.

We begin by catching up with Graeme from TrailOff, who joins us to share the story of a day trip in the Tararua Ranges that ended with a broken ankle, a helicopter rescue, and a whole new perspective on being prepared in the hills. It's an honest conversation about how quickly things can change, even on a straightforward trip, and the lessons he's taken away from the experience.

Following on from that, we catch up with Alex Waterworth from New Zealand Land Search and Rescue. We lift the curtain on what actually happens when someone needs help in the backcountry, from the first emergency call through to the volunteers heading into the bush. Alex also shares practical advice on preparation, common mistakes, personal locator beacons, and what makes the Tararua Ranges such a uniquely challenging place to carry out rescues.

To round things out, Al returns with another tramping question in another instalment of What's it Al About? This time we're talking trip preparation — how to decide where you're going, what to take with you, and some of the simple planning that can make all the difference before you even leave home.

Whether you're new to tramping or you've been exploring the Tararuas for decades, we hope this episode leaves you a little better prepared for your next adventure and a taste of the Fever!

Remember, you can get in touch with your tramp stories, suggestions, complaints, or lavish praise via our DMs on Instagram and Facebook. You can also email us on tararua.fever@gmail.com.

We'd love to hear from you!

If you'd like to watch the TrailOff video that inspired our conversation with Graeme, you can find it here:
TrailOff – Broken ankle in the Tararua Ranges: https://youtu.be/_zGjS-hH9M0?si=Cu-xP8dMPxVxxdiP

Useful Resources:
Mountain Safety Council: www.mountainsafety.org.nz
New Zealand Land Search & Rescue – Prevention: www.landsar.org.nz/prevent/
Volunteer with New Zealand Land Search & Rescue: www.landsar.org.nz/volunteer/

Key Safety Reminders from LandSAR:
Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
Check the weather forecast and track conditions before heading out.
Carry warm clothing, food, and emergency equipment.
Take a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator (such as an InReach).
Know how to use your equipment before you need it.
If you're injured or lost, don't wait too long to activate your PLB.

Whistle Recommendations:
Fox 40 Classic: https://www.fox40world.com/classic
Fox 40 Sharx: https://www.fox40world.com/sharx

CLASSIC | Fox 40 International
www.fox40world.com

In this latest Scroggin episode of Tararua Fever, we cast the net wide and delve into a few of the more miscellaneous corners of Tararua life.

From recent correspondence with listeners, to another visit to Kent's Cooking Corner and a discussion about one of the great comfort meals, we once again cover a lot of ground.

Along the way we also take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been getting in touch with stories, paintings and kind words. We really do appreciate it.

Finally, we're joined once again by long-time tramper, author and poet Mike Deavin. Listeners may remember Mike from our T-Files episode last year, where we delved into some of the mysteries and yarns of the Tararua Ranges. This time around he drops in for a quick catch-up before treating us to a few of his poems — a rather fitting way to finish off another helping of Scroggin.
Please enjoy!!

Remember, you can get in touch with your tramp stories, suggestions, complaints, or lavish praise via our DMs on Instagram and Facebook. You can also email us on tararua.fever@gmail.com.

We'd love to hear from you!

In this episode of Scroggin, we’re tearing open the trail-mix mystery bag and diving straight into the good stuff. I’m joined by Kent this week as we cover some cool tramping-related podcasts, talk through a few of the significant slips from across the Tararua ranges, and debut a brand-new segment Kent’s bringing to the show!

Trail mix in one hand, chaos in the other — that’s the Fever way.

Podcasts mentioned on the show:

The Tramping Life https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-tramping-life/id1839590454

Search & Rescue NZ (RNZ) https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/search-rescue-nz/id1842040029

On this 11th November episode of Tararua Fever, seeing is believing and I am joined by my co-host Kent where we are timing it within range of Halloween and discussing amongst other things, the Ghosts of the Tararua Ranges ! Join us as we go deep into some mysteries of the hills with our special guest. 

We are then joined for Walk' N Talk with David Barnes from the Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Public Access Commission, to discuss exactly that - some of the the Tararua Ranges different public and private access points and some of the basic do’s and dont’s that go with them. And at the end there also is another give away quiz question if you dare.

If you feel that chill, don’t fight it — the fever’s already got you !!! 

Welcome to the first episode of Scroggin, the quick snack between the main Tararua Fever episodes to keep you satiated. On this first ep, I have a small update on the ‘expecting’ situation from the previous episodes baby shower tramp. I also cover a little bit of what we consider might be hot on the Tararua Facebook Forum by way of a photo library of huts current and historic and how it links well to episode 9, Shelter from the Storm. Finally, as always we have a quick guest, my friend Ben, covering off some of his awesome artwork of the Tararua Ranges. 

Link for the huts photo library – https://www.flickr.com/photos/133363633@N06/albums/72157679938189206/

Link to Bens artwork – https://twentysix.co.nz/artists/benjamin-cotter-dephoff

P.s – we are very aware there is an update in the current closure again to the Otaki Forks road end due to another slip which we will look to cover off in the next episode.

In this latest episode of Tararua Fever, the format is slightly tweaked again due to small-big announcement for my partner, Lex and I, that may change things for our tramping experiences for the next wee while. So, what better way to celebrate than by literally heading into the Tararua hills with a bunch of my best mates – so join us as we venture to Waitewaewae for the weekend with a few laughs and of course, Allen with a more live than usual knob of the week as well. 

The Fever’s running high—and so are the spirits. Baby steps start in the Tararuas !

Welcome back to episode 9, ‘Shelter from the Storm’ - not the famous book, or the song, but it is all about the huts of the Tararua Ranges where we cover off some of the variables to think about when your trips involve the use of different types of huts and variables to take into account when tramping to them. We are then joined by the lovely folks from the Victoria University Tramping Club to get the run down of what they get up to and their summer hut bagging mission that occurred in one weekend !! 

Finally for ‘Walk n Talk’ I speak with Ron Pynenburg about the history of some of the huts in the Tararua Ranges as they relate to the old Hector Track, which also involved the potential tourist route that never quite came to fruition. We also talk about his experience as an architect and his contribution to the development of the hut manual post the Cave Creek disaster. 

Give us a like and a message on our new Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576349080277 , or as usual at tararua.fever@gmail.com

If you don’t have the fever, you probably need some ‘shelter from the storm’ !

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 tararua.fever@gmail.com.

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 this episode of Tararua Fever we have two fantastic interviewees! 

First we have Sarah White from the Tararua Tramping club, who talks us through the challenges of leading a group tramp.

Kent and Jerry discuss a testing time when having a leader would have been helpful, and reflect on their changing approach to leadership.

We then have Anna Watson for Walk n Talk, who talks about her amazing journey visiting (and ranking) every hut in the Ranges with her partner, and Boo the dog! You can read about her exploits, and get her full hut breakdown in the links below:

https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/a-great-tararua-adventure/?srsltid=AfmBOoo7SPOGpx3BaoXdChgS-u6mo6MgzP7wmgE4INTpIyuxrtkJ1JWc

https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/every-tararua-hut-reviewed-and-ranked/?srsltid=AfmBOopCXYeEWGOdTgQ18g5nnaLV8I77pAjajOo3waUh0KVD7G3VSZ21

We are making a call out for correspondence, please get in touch with your stories of amazing tramps, huts, dilemmas, disasters and anything else you like! 

Thanks for listening Fever fans! Get in touch!

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  !!

You've waited long enough Fever fans!

We're back with a little something to get you through the week.

This bag of Scroggin may contain:

• The photo competition results with Ash Rockett!! (our selections are up on Insta and Facebook)
• Recipes from the last tramp in Kent's Cooking Corner
• A resolution to the latest drama with Nick Goodall
• The usual idle chit chat (but the good kind)
• The repeated mispronunciation of a famous actor's name

Please enjoy!!

Remember, you can get in touch with your tramp stories, suggestions, complaints, or lavish praise via our DMs on Instagram and Facebook. You can also email us on tararua.fever@gmail.com. 

We'd love to hear from you!

We’re back again — and sorry for the wait folks!

On this episode of Tararua Fever, we set out with plans to tackle the Dundas Range… but the Tararuas had other ideas.

With the range throwing up its usual mix of weather and uncertainty, the trip quickly becomes about reading conditions, making calls, and figuring out what’s actually worth pushing for — with a bit of running commentary from us along the way.

We then have Allen back on, not for Knob of the Week, but his brand new segment: What's it All About? — one for the novice tramper.

And finally, we catch up with Derrick Field — one of the legends of the Tararua Ranges — to hear about his experiences in the hills, his work with the GWBN, and more.

Side effects of Tararua Fever may include wet boots, questionable calls, and a strong urge to go again. Enjoy responsibly!

As usual if you would like to get in touch you can do so via tararua.fever@gmail.com or message us on either Facebook or Instagram.

Link to Greater Wellington Backcountry Network (GWBN) here: https://gwbn.org.nz/

In this Scroggin episode of Tararua Fever we dive into a few of the more… non-essential matters of the Tararua Ranges.

From “Is it a bird of the Tararua Ranges, or is it my son?”, to Andrew Thompson absolutely sending it across the Northern Crossing on the way to a party (link below), and the legendary brass band gig recently held at Powell Hut by the Crash Bandihoots.

Along the way we also unpack a recent faux pas from one of our good friends — an incident we take deeply unnecessary and wildly over-dramatised exception to.

Finally, we wrap things up with the most important business: introducing the judge for our Tararua Fever photo competition and having a quick chat about what they look for in a truly great snap.

The photo comp is open for the rest of March, so keep those submissions coming in!

Find Ash's brilliant portfolio here - https://rockettdesign.myportfolio.com/exhibition-a-journey-of-colour

Andrew Thompson running the Northern Crossing – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCl18BQIQgg

Crash Bandihoots live at Powell Hut – https://www.facebook.com/reel/897096376578978

We’re back with our first full episode of 2026 — and the fever hasn’t eased.

We kick things off with Kent and I talking about one of the classic Tararua dilemmas: how hard it is to go deep into the range, touch the tops, and still leave enough time (and legs) to get out again. On paper it always looks doable. In reality… it’s the Tararua Ranges.

We’re then joined by Andrew Thompson, organiser of the Jumbo–Holdsworth Mountain Race, to talk about what it takes to move fast across some of the most iconic terrain in the range — and why the race keeps drawing people back.

For Walk ‘n’ Talk, we speak with Paulina Zack, who holds the fastest known time on Te Araroa and set a blistering pace through the Tararuas. We chat about endurance, mindset, and what it feels like to move quickly through terrain that most of us grind through slowly.

Different speeds. Different goals. Same hills. Same fever.

We wrap things up with a quick update on the Tararua Fever photo competition.

If you’d like to get in touch, flick us a message at: tararua.fever@gmail.com, or via our instagram and facebook.
 
Find out more about the Jumbo–Holdsworth Mountain Race here:

https://jumbo-holdsworth.co.nz

We’re back! Hope you’ve all been enjoying some good time out in the hills — and maybe catching a bit of Tararua Fever along the way.

On this quick Scroggin episode of Tararua Fever, Kent and I are just checking in to provide a small update on the photo competition and a look ahead at some upcoming interviews on the podcast.

Photo competition entries are open — send your favourite Tararua (and beyond) snaps in via tararua.fever@gmail.com,  Facebook or Instagram with a small description.

If you’re enjoying the show, give Tararua Fever a like or follow on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576349080277 

We’re rounding out the year with a Scroggin-style episode of Tararua Fever.

Kent and I kick things off with a quick recap of the year that’s been for the podcast, reflecting on the season in a couple of minutes (give or take). We also announce a very loosely organised photo competition, so start sending through your favourite snaps from the Tararua Ranges and beyond — judges and prizes to be announced in the new year.

We’re then joined by Bevan Smith from the NZ Mountain Safety Council, who talks through some of the key do’s and don’ts for summer tramping, covering practical safety considerations for anyone heading into the hills over the break.

We wrap things up with a few thank yous to everyone who’s helped make Tararua Fever possible this year.

Thanks for listening, stay safe out there, and we’re looking forward to getting back into it in 2026.

🔗 Plan your next trip with Plan My Walk — the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s official trip planner: https://planmywalk.nz/

On this episode of Tararua Fever we’re looking at the Ladder in the Wilderness. That’s right — the peaks of the Tararua Ranges. We speak with two seasoned trampers about their experiences navigating the precarious nature of the steep ridgeline, and arguably the most remote ladder imaginable.

Kent and I then bring things back down to earth (somewhat) with Al and Knob of the Week, where another knob of the ranges is highlighted and some random facts explored. We enter Kent's Cooking Corner for the first time celebrating a signature dish, and we round things out by announcing the winner of the latest quiz question.

Jonty's blog: https://jontynz.com/

Jonty's podcast: https://www.thetrampinglife.com/