Backcountry Magazine
About Backcountry
Backcountry is FMC’s long-standing and popular flagship magazine. We publish it four times a year, bringing stories and perspectives you won’t find anywhere else. From spirited debates on the future of huts and tracks to the challenges of managing and protecting conservation land, each issue delves into the big questions shaping New Zealand’s wild places. It offers a window into FMC’s advocacy and outreach work, keeping our outdoor community informed, connected, and inspired to explore more.
The magazine is created and produced by editor Peter Laurenson, with the support of a small, hard-working team. Editorial content for each issue is selected by the editor.

How can I get Backcountry?
There are several ways to get your hands on Backcountry:
- Individual FMC members — If you are an individual FMC member, you automatically receive printed copies four times a year.
- Members of FMC member clubs — If you belong to a member club, your club receives copies for its members. Check with your club to see how they’re distributed.
- Direct-to-You (D2U) service — If you belong to an FMC member club and have paid your FMC subscription via your club fees, you can receive Backcountry straight from FMC for $25 extra per year.
- Organisations and libraries — Annual subscriptions are $35 (or $45 for overseas), please contact our administrator.
Previous copies – available here via our website – note that the latest issue is only available by the above methods.

FAQs
Issue | Editorial Deadline | Advertising Deadline | Issue to Clubs |
March 2025 | 27 January | 14 February | Late – March |
June 2025 | 14 April | 2 May | Mid – June |
August 2025 | 30 June | 18 July | Late – August |
November 2025 | 22 September | 10 October | Late – November |
March 2026 | 26 January | 13 February | Late – March |
What is D2U service and who is it for?
D2U (Direct-to-You) is an optional service only for registered members of FMC member clubs. If you’re part of an FMC club and have paid your FMC subscription via your club fees, you’re eligible to sign up.
It’s especially useful for larger clubs where distributing Backcountry magazines can be challenging.
If you sign up for D2U, we’ll post your Backcountry magazine directly to your New Zealand address. The $25 annual fee covers FMC’s costs for packaging and mailing four individual issues to you.
With D2U, you’ll receive the next four issues delivered straight to your door.
How many years has FMC been producing Backcountry magazine?
Originally called the FMC Bulletin, we have produced a regular magazine since 1957. Check out the Issue Number on the front cover top left corner to see how many we have produced.
Contacts
Editor: backcountry@fmc.org.nz
Subscription and distribution: administrator@fmc.org.nz
