With spongy tussock and fantastic views, Mitre in the Tararua Ranges is a perfect bivvy location. Photo: Peter Laurenson

The beautiful bivvy

Camping, Features

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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

They’re not perfect and often a tent is superior, but sleeping in your own warm cocoon directly beneath the stars has its attractions.

I was on the highest point of the Tararua Range – 1571m Mitre / Pukeamoamo. The wind had eased and swirling clouds bathed in dramatic evening light silently cleared. There was spongy tussock to hunker down on and the 360-degree view was outstanding. Mitre actually sits off to the east of the main range, so […]

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).