Peak Bagging New Zealand:About

To provide a list of accessible peaks to bag in New Zealand.

 * The list will contain a range of peak sizes and grades, at least some of which will be achievable for people from all age ranges and fitness levels. The list and website will provide goals and encouragement for everyone with an interest in tramping or walking, but especially for those who do not usually venture into the great outdoors.

History
During a trip to Scotland in 2002, we discovered the joys of Munro Bagging, and immediately wondered if such a peak bagging list existed for New Zealand. We quickly dismissed the idea however, as any such New Zealand list would be full of inaccessible and difficult alpine peaks. After bagging more peaks in Italy, Switzerland and Egypt, we caught the peak bagging bug, and just couldn't let go of the idea of a New Zealand peak bagging list. Upon return to New Zealand in 2004, we started researching a list of North Island peaks we could bag, with plans to eventually compile a South Island list as well.

Eventually, the list started to take shape in the form of this website (www.peakbagging.co.nz), and finally went live in May 2008.

As at May 2008, we've bagged 22 peaks on the official PeakBagging.co.nz list. We'll get back to you in about 30 years when we've bagged the lot!

Jon Povey
Ever since being dragged up his first peak in his early twenties, Jon has enjoyed a love/hate relationship with peak bagging. The 'hate' part of the relationship surfaces at the start of any peak bagging expedition, when his body never seems anywhere near fit enough. At some point in the journey however, enough endorphins kick in, and Jon's aching calves give way to a reluctant determination to reach the summit. Then, at the top, all the hard work is forgotten, and he's already surveying the next peak to bag. Jon is not a natural walker - his feet aren't designed quite right, and he always seems to have eaten a few too many pies. He's a suburban city boy, usually found struggling in the gym, trying to find quality eggs benedict, or sitting in rush hour traffic. You're unlikely to find him chewing the fat in a busy DOC hut - if has to spend the night away from a hot shower, he'll be seeking solitude away from the crowds.

Jon Offers Expert Mediawiki (and other Wiki) Support Services:
 * Wiki Websites Portfolio
 * Mediawiki Installation
 * Mediawiki Support
 * Wiki Content

To hire Jon for any Wiki website needs - visit http://wikihelper.com

Julia Becker
As a natural hazards researcher, Julia has a somewhat morbid fascination with volcanoes, active faults, landslides and tsunamis. She can take credit for initially inspiring Jon to climb peaks and subsequently dragging him up many more. She is there to reassure Jon that the volcano they're on is not likely to erupt while he's standing on top (probably not anyway...)

Julia has visited volcanoes all over the world including New Zealand, Italy, Washington State, Hawaii and Japan. She knows her lahars from her pyroclastic flows (and her arse from her elbows), and takes great delight in identifying exactly which layer of ash came from the 1886 Tarawera eruption. In Julia's work she looks at the social impacts of disasters, (including research on the 1995-96 Ruapehu eruptions, 2007 Ruapehu lahar) as well as how to encourage people to prepare for emergencies. She is currently studying to complete a Phd on the topic of community resilience and preparing for natural disasters.

Alice Horsham - Intern April/May 2011
Alice got our Facebook and Twitter accounts rolling (which gave the site a new lease of life), and was involved in newsletter writing, forum management, and social networking promotion.

"Hi! My name is Alice and I am working as an intern with Peak Bagging for the next couple of months. I am a keen tramper and was lucky enough to grow up with the Tararua’s on my back step but have also had the chance to spend time tramping in Japan, Canada and Thailand. My favourite peak is Mt Hector, Wellington. It’s a bit of a slog in places but includes a night in the historic Field Hut and incredible views of the Wairarapa and Wellington on a fine day."

Contact Us
You can contact us via one of the following methods:

Forums: PM us (admin), or post in our Forums

Email: [mailto:webmaster@peakbagging.co.nz webmaster@peakbagging.co.nz]

Post: PO Box 44113, Lower Hutt, Wellington 5040, New Zealand