New Zealand

Matariki sees Huw Kingstone and Laurence Mote embark on their ski-bikepacking journey down the length of Aotearoa. Prior to leaving and amidst the mayhem of last minute logistics they found time to answer a few burning questions about their epic trip that will see them bike and ski all 24 Kiwi ski fields.

Huw Kingston spends 5 days on a slice of the Munda Biddi Trail in Western Australia in preparation for the Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa, a 90 day, 4000 kilometre traverse of New Zealand on bikes towing skis. Joined by great mate Laurence Mote (one time Ground Effect staffer) they depart 25 June, plan to ski all 24 Kiwi ski fields en route and raise $75,000 for climate adaptation projects in the South Pacific.

Emma Bateup completes the Great Southern Brevet. 1100 km of gravel and farm track over four and a half gruelling days through the extremes of Central Otago weather – horizontal rain, snow storms, blistering heat and strong winds – mostly from the wrong direction.

Cati Pearson pedals Coromandel over New Year – packing 120 km and 3000 m of climbing into two days. Nice to burn off New Year's excesses, but her top tip would be to extend the itinerary to three days.

Emma Bateup recounts her challenging bike to, hike carrying bike, and bike home from the Tararua Southern Crossing.