Helge crosses the Waimakariri River. A few hours later he’d be choppered out. Photo: Peter Laurenson

Free ride out

Near miss

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Peter Laurenson

A tramper, occasional climber, photographer, editor and writer, Peter has been adventuring for more than 30 years.

By Peter Laurenson

Three trampers explore the route to Waimakariri Falls, but during their return one goes missing.

“Where’s Helge?” Shaun asked. I looked up from the stove, concerned. We had all spent the morning on a quick there-and-back trip from Carrington Hut to Waimakariri Falls Hut. On the descent, Helge, being fitter and faster, had gone ahead as we neared the White River. It wasn’t until I was back at Carrington Hut, […]

About the author

Peter Laurenson

Peter is a tramper, occasional climber, photographer, editor and writer. His adventures, spanning 30+ years, come together on his website ‘OccasionalClimber’. Richmond-based, Peter is editor of FMC’s Backcountry and has published three books: Occasional Climber (2013) and Khumbu (2021) and Aotearoa Light (2025).