Outdoors writer dies in accident

Colin Moore was a former travel editor for the Herald. Photo / Herald file

Award-winning journalist, author and adventurer Colin Moore has died after a boating accident in the Far North.

Moore, in his 60s, was holidaying at his family bach at Taupo Bay when the incident happened, about 5.30pm on Friday.

It is understood he was crushed when the boat trailer rolled backward as the boat was being taken from the water.

He died at the scene.

Known for his love of the outdoors and for his travel writings, Moore had been a journalist since 1964.

He was the Herald's travel editor for several years before going on to write several books, including Outdoors in New Zealand and the recently released Take a Kid Outdoors.

He worked to encourage Kiwi youngsters to find out more about their New Zealand backyard.

In a travel piece about Taupo Bay, he described his holiday bach as his own "slice of beachfront paradise".

Moore was also recognised at last month's Qantas Media Awards, winning in the transport and travel section for a piece, Study to be Quiet, which featured in Wilderness Magazine. Friend and fellow adventurer Graeme Dingle last night paid tribute to Moore.

"He was a solid, nice guy. I respected his work as a journalist and as a person. He was a great man."

Dingle - known for his work as a writer, humanitarian and mountaineer - first met Moore through his work as a journalist, about 20 years ago.

He acknowledged Moore had been both a passionate writer and ambassador for the outdoors for many years.

Referring to New Zealand mountaineers Gary Ball and Rob Hall - who died while on an expedition to Mt Everest in 1996 - Dingle said it was Moore who had contributed to making sure that their story was forever known.

"In many ways, he probably made Hall and Ball famous.

"They became quite famous mountaineers and Colin was key in putting their story out there."

Colin Moore is survived by his wife, Fran, daughter Naivasha and son Rupert.