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Welcome back to another episode of Tararua Fever — the podcast about tramping and the Tararua Ranges. In this one we’ve got a bit of this and a bit of that, as we cover off a few of the hot topics doing the rounds before sitting down for a couple of good yarns with people from two of the Tararua’s tramping clubs. First up, we chat with Glen Cattermole from the Parawai Tramping Club about the club, Parawai Lodge and some of his recent tramping adventures. We then catch up with Franz Hubmann from the Tararua Tramping Club, talking about some of the mahi he’s been getting stuck into around the ranges, including scrub clearing and hut maintenance, as well as a bit of a yarn about getting out into the hills. It’s a bit of this, a bit of that and plenty of Tararua Fever. Got a Tararua story, question, hut yarn or something you reckon we should be talking about? Get in touch at [email protected] or DM us on Facebook or Instagram. Tararua Fever — anything and everything to do with the Tararua Ranges.

Welcome back to another episode of Scroggin — the bonus trail mix of the show, and we’ve got a bloody good mixed bag for you in this one. As usual, we cover off a few of the hot topics, including the proposed Barnett Peak, the possible future of Tarn Ridge Hut, and an update on the Nichols Hut replacement. We then sit down for a yarn with Pi from the New Orleans-style band, The Crashbandihoots, talking about their recent escapade, bush doofs at Powell Hut, and what it takes to clamber up with all that brass for a big Tararua mission. As always, it’s a bit random, a bit tasty, and definitely not the place to be dropping crumbs on the track. Got a Tararua story, question, hut yarn or something you reckon we should be talking about? Get in touch at [email protected] or DM us on Facebook or Instagram. Links mentioned in this episode: Barnett Peak consultation: New Zealand Geographic Board consultation⁠ https://www.linz.govt.nz/consultations/barnett-peak? Crashbandihoots – Powell Hut trip & bush doof: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1274806997700006 Tararua Fever — anything and everything to do with the Tararua Ranges

This episode we're doing something a little different and venturing beyond the boundaries of the Tararua Ranges. We're joined by returning guest Jonty Crane from The Tramping Life podcast to chat about his recent crossing of the rugged Aorangi Range. We hear what makes the range so unique, how it compares to the Tararua Ranges, and why this wild corner of the lower North Island deserves a spot on every tramper's bucket list. Then in Walk N' Talk, we turn our attention back to the Tararua Ranges as we unpack the proposed Conservation Act Amendment Bill. Joining us is Nicky from Forest & Bird, who helps us explore what the proposed changes could mean for places like Tararua Forest Park and New Zealand's wider conservation estate. If you'd like to get in touch, we'd love to hear from you. You can email us at [email protected], or find us on Facebook and Instagram. Links mentioned: Greenpeace – Defend Conservation Land: https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/explore/defend-conservation-land/ Forest & Bird – March for Nature: https://www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/march-nature-launched-protect-conservation

Fresh out of the Scroggin bag, we're back with another bonus episode of Tararua Fever (thanks for waiting)! This time around, we chat about the recent burst of winter weather across the ranges, the upcoming Hut Keeper film, a rescue on the Waiopehu Track, and a few interesting discussions from the Tararua Forum, including North Mangahao Biv and Punga Hut. It's also our pleasure to welcome regular listener Rex to the podcast. He joins us to chat about a memorable mission to Maungahuka Hut via the Tararua Peaks, before we share his brilliantly written and hilarious trip report read by Jason Hoyte of Outrageous Fortune, What We Do in the Shadows and Alternative Commentary Collective fame! So grab a handful of scroggin and settle in for another yarn about the Tararuas. As always, if you've got a trip report, a story, or something Tararua-related you'd like to share, we'd love to hear from you. Get in touch at [email protected]. Mentioned in this episode: Hut Keeper official trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQU_BzosFzw

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you!

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!

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 CornerA resolution to the latest drama with Nick GoodallThe usual idle chit chat (but the good kind)The repeated mispronunciation of a famous actor's namePlease 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 [email protected].  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 [email protected] 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: [email protected], 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 [email protected],  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/

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