Blog — The Kiwi Approach

The Remarkables range lies just east of Queenstown and it’s intense, jagged ridge-line is one of the first things that captures your attention when going to the small city. I have wanted to do the Grand Traverse for a number of years but have kept busy on other climbs in the area when visiting. The route takes you up and over three of the highest peaks on the ridge and while it isn’t technically difficult, (Mt Cook grade 3) it is a highly recommended climb — one of New Zealand’s classics.

It was 5:30 on a Tuesday morning and finally; I was waking up with that objective in mind.

StoriesRyan ColleyNovember 9, 2018Comment

Primus - ETA Lite Stove: Field Test

From its efficient boiling time in frigid conditions to its light-weight features and sturdy construction the ETA Stove has been put to the test and has impressed me so far! I’ve taken it up into New Zealand’s largest alpine environments, deep into the back country on light-and-fast hunting trips and on multi-day hikes with friends. After a little over 3 months I can already see this being one of the best light weight stoves on the market. Click below to see my in-depth testing and review.

Gear ReviewsRyan ColleyNovember 8, 2018Comment

Suunto - Core All Black: Long Term Review

The Suunto All Black Core is a watch that has been around for a while now and still continues to be used by many outdoor enthusiast looking for a watch that goes further than just telling the time. In the last two years my All Black Core has hardly left my wrist and I have used it extensively in many different environments. I can confidently say I’ve used to its potential and have put together a long term review you can check out.

Gear ReviewsRyan ColleyNovember 7, 2018 Comment

Ice Climbing & Alpine Tahr Hunting - A Weekend at Chancellor Hut, WestCoast.

Chancellor hut sits above the Fox Glacier and is the oldest alpine hut in New Zealand that is still in its original condition. Last weekend, a friend and I walked up from the ice below. We spent the day ice climbing on the steep walls of the glacier. That evening, just before sundown things got interesting when I stalked in on a Himalayan bull tahr not far from the hut…

StoriesRyan ColleyNovember 7, 2018Comment

Attending New Zealand's Ice and Mixed Festival

New Zealand’s annual Ice And Mixed Festival is held in Queenstown and brings some of the countries top climbers together. The NZ Alpine Team hold a bunch of clinics and there are evening events held in town but I went there with one aim in mind - to lead my first technical mixed route and climb as much as possible. Over the week I teamed up with Lucas, a good mate and college and also made a new friend Chris, as we tackled a bunch of classic routes together.

StoriesRyan ColleyNovember 3, 2018Comment

Eddie Bauer - Bacon 2.0 Pack: Field test

Eddie Bauer has made some upgrades to their Bacon pack and since added the aptly named, Bacon 2.0 to their First ascent range; an ultra-light, ultra-packable rucksack designed fast-and-light for alpinism.

Gear ReviewsRyan ColleyNovember 3, 2018Comment

Crossing the Southern Alps on Skis and Pack-rafts

From learning to ski in the heart of New Zealand’s largest mountains, to a near death experience in a crevasse; this trip was one to remember!

Recently I was part of a four man team that travelled from the Western side of the Main Divide and ended up on the Tasman River; the Eastern side. The Expedition took place over 8 days and just as every real adventure - not everything went according to plan…

StoriesRyan ColleySeptember 30, 2018Comment

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