Pushing His Luck

Explore the gripping tale of survival and tragedy in 'Pushing His Luck.' This detailed historical account, translated from Jakob Lauper's account by Hilary Low, unravels the challenges faced by civil engineer Henry Whitcombe and the Swiss goldminer Jakob Lauper during their perilous expedition across the Southern Alps in 1863. As the West Coast gold rush beckoned adventurers, this journey turned into a fight for survival against relentless weather and starvation. Traverse the Main Divide through the treacherous pass that now bears Whitcombe's name, and witness the harrowing events that led to Whitcombe's drowning in the Taramakau River. Lauper's compelling narrative not only recounts their struggles but also brings to light significant historical insights into this tumultuous era. 'Pushing His Luck' is indispensable for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by New Zealand's adventurous past, providing a fresh and accurate translation of Lauper's vital report nearly 150 years later. Discover the enduring spirit of adventure and the stark realities faced in the pursuit of fortune amidst nature’s wrath. Ideal for readers looking for historical non-fiction, survival stories, and accounts of exploration, this book captures a crucial moment in New Zealand's rich history. Delve into this captivating narrative and uncover the truth of an expedition that tested human endurance against extraordinary odds.

Author: Hilary Low translated from Jakob Lauper Publisher: Canterbury University Press


Pages: 144


In 1863 Henry Whitcombe, a young civil engineer and Canterbury's Provincial Road Surveyor, led an expedition to find a route across the Southern Alps in advance of the West Coast gold rushes. Jakob Lauper, a hardy Swiss goldminer, was hired to accompany him. The journey turned to tragedy. Dogged by appalling weather and half-starved, the two men traversed the Main Divide by a pass that now bears Whitcombe's name, and struggled down to the western beach. There the exhausted Whitcombe drowned while attempting to cross the flooded Taramakau River. Against extraordinary odds, Lauper survived and made his way back to Christchurch. His report on the expedition was translated into English and published mid-1863. Pushing His Luck provides for the first time an accurate translation of Lauper's vivid account, and explains the significance of new information brought to light. Nearly 150 years after the event, the truth about this journey is finally told.