PodcastsSportsTararua Fever

Tararua Fever

Jerry van Lier
Tararua Fever
Latest episode

24 episodes

  • Tararua Fever

    Twist and Shout 'Fever!'

    30/06/2026 | 1h 7 mins.
    Tararua Fever is back! And today we're diving straight into an episode that's all about one of the few things every tramper hopes they'll never need — search and rescue.
    We begin by catching up with Graeme from TrailOff, who joins us to share the story of a day trip in the Tararua Ranges that ended with a broken ankle, a helicopter rescue, and a whole new perspective on being prepared in the hills. It's an honest conversation about how quickly things can change, even on a straightforward trip, and the lessons he's taken away from the experience.
    Following on from that, we catch up with Alex Waterworth from New Zealand Land Search and Rescue. We lift the curtain on what actually happens when someone needs help in the backcountry, from the first emergency call through to the volunteers heading into the bush. Alex also shares practical advice on preparation, common mistakes, personal locator beacons, and what makes the Tararua Ranges such a uniquely challenging place to carry out rescues.
    To round things out, Al returns with another tramping question in another instalment of What's it Al About? This time we're talking trip preparation — how to decide where you're going, what to take with you, and some of the simple planning that can make all the difference before you even leave home.
    Whether you're new to tramping or you've been exploring the Tararuas for decades, we hope this episode leaves you a little better prepared for your next adventure and a taste of the Fever!
    Remember, you can get in touch with your tramp stories, suggestions, complaints, or lavish praise via our DMs on Instagram and Facebook. You can also email us on tararua.fever@gmail.com.
    We'd love to hear from you!

    If you'd like to watch the TrailOff video that inspired our conversation with Graeme, you can find it here:
    TrailOff – Broken ankle in the Tararua Ranges: https://youtu.be/_zGjS-hH9M0?si=Cu-xP8dMPxVxxdiP

    Useful Resources:
    Mountain Safety Council: www.mountainsafety.org.nz
    New Zealand Land Search & Rescue – Prevention: www.landsar.org.nz/prevent/
    Volunteer with New Zealand Land Search & Rescue: www.landsar.org.nz/volunteer/

    Key Safety Reminders from LandSAR:
    Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.
    Check the weather forecast and track conditions before heading out.
    Carry warm clothing, food, and emergency equipment.
    Take a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator (such as an InReach).
    Know how to use your equipment before you need it.
    If you're injured or lost, don't wait too long to activate your PLB.

    Whistle Recommendations:
    Fox 40 Classic: https://www.fox40world.com/classic
    Fox 40 Sharx: https://www.fox40world.com/sharx

    CLASSIC | Fox 40 International
    www.fox40world.com
  • Tararua Fever

    Scroggin Episode 7

    18/06/2026 | 25 mins.
    In this latest Scroggin episode of Tararua Fever, we cast the net wide and delve into a few of the more miscellaneous corners of Tararua life.

    From recent correspondence with listeners, to another visit to Kent's Cooking Corner and a discussion about one of the great comfort meals, we once again cover a lot of ground.

    Along the way we also take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been getting in touch with stories, paintings and kind words. We really do appreciate it.

    Finally, we're joined once again by long-time tramper, author and poet Mike Deavin. Listeners may remember Mike from our T-Files episode last year, where we delved into some of the mysteries and yarns of the Tararua Ranges. This time around he drops in for a quick catch-up before treating us to a few of his poems — a rather fitting way to finish off another helping of Scroggin.
    Please enjoy!!

    Remember, you can get in touch with your tramp stories, suggestions, complaints, or lavish praise via our DMs on Instagram and Facebook. You can also email us on tararua.fever@gmail.com.

    We'd love to hear from you!
  • Tararua Fever

    Forty Days and Forty Nights of Fever

    30/05/2026 | 1h 9 mins.
    In this episode of Tararua Fever we have two fantastic interviewees! 
    First we have Sarah White from the Tararua Tramping club, who talks us through the challenges of leading a group tramp.
    Kent and Jerry discuss a testing time when having a leader would have been helpful, and reflect on their changing approach to leadership.
    We then have Anna Watson for Walk n Talk, who talks about her amazing journey visiting (and ranking) every hut in the Ranges with her partner, and Boo the dog! You can read about her exploits, and get her full hut breakdown in the links below:
    https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/a-great-tararua-adventure/?srsltid=AfmBOoo7SPOGpx3BaoXdChgS-u6mo6MgzP7wmgE4INTpIyuxrtkJ1JWc
    https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/every-tararua-hut-reviewed-and-ranked/?srsltid=AfmBOopCXYeEWGOdTgQ18g5nnaLV8I77pAjajOo3waUh0KVD7G3VSZ21
    We are making a call out for correspondence, please get in touch with your stories of amazing tramps, huts, dilemmas, disasters and anything else you like! 
    Thanks for listening Fever fans! Get in touch!
  • Tararua Fever

    Scroggin Episode 6

    05/05/2026 | 33 mins.
    You've waited long enough Fever fans!
    We're back with a little something to get you through the week.
    This bag of Scroggin may contain:
    The photo competition results with Ash Rockett!! (our selections are up on Insta and Facebook)
    Recipes from the last tramp in Kent's Cooking Corner
    A resolution to the latest drama with Nick Goodall
    The usual idle chit chat (but the good kind)
    The repeated mispronunciation of a famous actor's name
    Please enjoy!!
    Remember, you can get in touch with your tramp stories, suggestions, complaints, or lavish praise via our DMs on Instagram and Facebook. You can also email us on tararua.fever@gmail.com. 
    We'd love to hear from you!
  • Tararua Fever

    Fever Dreams of Dundas

    14/04/2026 | 1h 12 mins.
    We’re back again — and sorry for the wait folks!
    On this episode of Tararua Fever, we set out with plans to tackle the Dundas Range… but the Tararuas had other ideas.
    With the range throwing up its usual mix of weather and uncertainty, the trip quickly becomes about reading conditions, making calls, and figuring out what’s actually worth pushing for — with a bit of running commentary from us along the way.
    We then have Allen back on, not for Knob of the Week, but his brand new segment: What's it All About? — one for the novice tramper.
    And finally, we catch up with Derrick Field — one of the legends of the Tararua Ranges — to hear about his experiences in the hills, his work with the GWBN, and more.
    Side effects of Tararua Fever may include wet boots, questionable calls, and a strong urge to go again. Enjoy responsibly!
    As usual if you would like to get in touch you can do so via tararua.fever@gmail.com or message us on either Facebook or Instagram.
    Link to Greater Wellington Backcountry Network (GWBN) here: https://gwbn.org.nz/
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About Tararua Fever
This podcast is about anything and everything to do with tramping in the Tararua Ranges, New Zealand, covering a wide range of topics from different tramps, access and updates, interviews with experts, and more ! Contact us anytime on tararua.fever@gmail.com
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