Hazel Phillips

Guest writer

Hazel Phillips is the author of four books: Fire & Ice (2025); Solo: Backcountry adventuring in Aotearoa New Zealand (2022); Wild Westie (2014), a biography of Sir Bob Harvey; and Sell! (2013), a history of the advertising industry.

Alex Salmon and Mount Ruapehu (Photo of Ruapehu taken by Geoff McKay and sourced from Wikipedia)

From Great Walk to great woe – the rise and fall of a Ruapehu shortcut

More than 70 years ago, Alex Salmon singlehandedly built a walking track in Tongariro National Park. Now, it might finally be restored to its former glory.

By Hazel Phillips | 15th September, 2025

Hazel Phillips’ new book shares the secrets of Tongariro National Park.

The story behind Ruapehu’s smashed summit stone

'The day I first crossed paths with Henry up on Ruapehu, he quietly told me what he’d done.'

By Hazel Phillips | 10th May, 2025