Tramping in New Zealand
Photo: Corey Parsons, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tramping (known in other countries as hiking, trekking or bushwalking) is a popular way to see the New Zealand outdoors, especially the forests, mountains and other wilderness areas. Tramps range from day walks to multi-day hikes, sleeping in huts or perhaps camping out. Most national parks in New Zealand are administered by the Department of Conservation (usually abbreviated to and often just called DOC). DOC offices and their web site are very useful sources of information.
Stay safeTramping the New Zealand bush (forests) can be dangerous if you are not properly prepared and equipped. The weather can change without warning. If you don't have the right equipment you may die from hypothermia.
Tramping equipmentNew Zealand tries hard to prevent introduction of unwanted flora and fauna. Make sure you clean the mud from your boots, tents, groundsheet and stoves before you enter the country.
SleepMany of the national parks have basic accommodation called huts, which range from a basic roof over your head with large bunk spaces and a "long drop" toilet, to the deluxe huts on the Milford Track with individual…
Tracks and routesDOC classifies tracks and routes by their difficulty. Their categories are:
Great WalksNew Zealand has ten 'Great Walks', which are very well maintained, cover some beautiful scenery, and can be quite busy in the peak season, requiring bookings with DOC well in advance.
Other walks
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Tramping in New Zealand" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Corey Parsons, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons