New Zealand
WHO’S THE BOSS? Taking the Front Row on New Zealand’s North Island
“Sorry mate, working that weekend now.”
“My wife’s folks just called; they’re coming to stay.”
“Daughter’s got a surfing tournament, no can do.”
Six years had passed since my New Zealand arrival and I’d been keen to tackle a multiday backcountry trip ever since touching down on Kiwi soil. I’d gotten close a couple times with dates set with friends but, as those dates approached, replies to my messages slowed, a sense of foreboding took hold, and then came the excuses.
New Zealand’s backcountry might not have grizzlies but every year five people who venture into it don’t return, another 4,000 are injured and over 500 rescues are triggered. Underestimating terrain and changeable weather patterns are major causes and, as such, carrying locator beacons and buddying-up wherever possible are recommended practices...
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