The value of risk
Paul Hersey asks if taking risks in the outdoors equip us better for the ‘real world’ Kynan Bazley, a good friend, once told me that ‘the dignity of risk should...
Paul Hersey
Winter trips to get you pumped
Base yourself at a hut for some seriously cool winter exploration. By Paul Hersey From countless options, here are five trips worthy of consideration. Make sure you check with DOC...
Are we having fun yet?
Backcountry travel in winter is a serious proposition, but it can also be enticing and and the mountains look spectacular. By Paul Hersey The forecast was solid. The temperature had...
New routes or old classics
The risk of foregoing a guaranteed climb by seeking out new routes can be rewarded with the founding of a classic. What’s better: to seek out the vague possibilities of...
Climb a 3000m South Island peak
Think you’re a good tramper, sea kayaker, climber, mountain biker and skier? Shift your horizons with one of these game-changing adventures You have: Climbed Mt Ruapehu You want: To...
In the shadow of the cloud piercer
Onslow Hut, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park The lower portion of the Tasman Glacier is one of those unique places. I say unique because it felt like we were battling a...
Climber's high
Are climbers who use performance-enhancing drugs cheating their way to the top or simply trying to survive the extreme environment found at high altitude? Paul Hersey investigates Drug-taking in sport...
Punch up at 7000m
A fight between Sherpas and foreigners on Everest is a sign of tension between largely poor locals and wealthy tourists At first I couldn’t believe the reports: There had been...
Fallen climbers
Marty and Denali Schmidt killed on world’s most dangerous mountain New Zealand climbers Marty Schmidt, 53, and his son Denali, 25, were killed in an avalanche which swept through Camp...
How to buy 4-season boots
A four season tramping or alpine boot needs to perform in a range of challenging conditions while still remaining comfortable. Fit is the most critical aspect in achieving this, but...
2017's best four-season boots
A four season boot needs to perform in a range of challenging conditions while still remaining comfortable. The fit is the most critical aspect in achieving this, but there are...
Your first overseas climbing expedition
Ever thought about heading overseas on a climbing expedition to one of the world’s great mountain ranges? Paul Hersey highlights some considerations. I’ve been on a number of expeditions to...
Ready and waiting
I’ve been climbing for nearly three decades. During that time I’ve been lucky enough to discover and explore secluded corners of New Zealand’s unique and special Alps as well as...
Paparoa Track: A Great Walk on a roll
On a sunny, windless morning at Punakaiki, the seaward horizon and the bush-heavy inland hills are free of cloud. A decent swell butts up against headlands to the north and...