| Aotearoa is blessed with outstanding landscapes and | | | | December and January see a spike in the tramping |
| breathtaking wilderness which can blow one's mind | | | | numbers as it is peak season. It is also vacation time |
| away. Tramping in Kiwi speak is normally called | | | | for schools. This sport can be enjoyed anytime |
| walking, hiking or trekking in other parts of the world. | | | | between October and March though the ideal |
| Tramping is the best way to drink in Aotearoa's | | | | weather is between January and March. |
| natural beauty. | | | | The winter season in NZ is between June and |
| New Zealand's diverse terrain will have you spellbound | | | | August. Hiking tracks at higher altitudes pose the risk |
| ranging from greenbelt city areas to long beaches, | | | | of avalanches. It is best not to tramp in this period. |
| coastal cliffs, grasslands, rainforests, farmlands, | | | | To enjoy tramping use quality footwear that is |
| mountains and volcanic regions. It is any hiker's delight | | | | comforting to your feet. |
| to be confronted by such a wide assortment of such | | | | Alleviate shoulder strain by carrying a light backpack. |
| inviting landscapes. | | | | Take wet weather gear on the trip. |
| About 30% of tramping land is conservation land with | | | | Coastal locations are notorious for sandflies so insect |
| access to the general public, protected under the | | | | repellant is a must. |
| umbrella of Department of Conservation (DOC). Most | | | | Before you commence your walk, check whether |
| of this land is made up of forest parks, natural parks | | | | the huts or camping sites you are staying in has |
| and other reserves. | | | | cooking gear. If it is a no, do carry a stove available |
| Tracks are graded depending on their topography | | | | from camping shops. |
| and level of difficulty. They can be classified as | | | | For responsible tramping, it is important to keep in |
| follows: | | | | mind key factors such as wildlife conservation, |
| Path: Easy and well formed; Wheel chair access is | | | | cooking in public places, rubbish and human waste |
| allowed. Track is constructed to shoe standard (hiking | | | | disposal. |
| boots not required). It is accessible to people of all | | | | Tracks can vary in difficulty depending on the |
| ages and fitness levels | | | | weather and season. |
| Walking track: Easy and well formed; The track is | | | | Before going on a walk, it is best to carry a |
| constructed to shoe standard. It is suitable for people | | | | descriptive map and the most recent description of |
| of most ages and fitness levels. | | | | the tramping route you are taking. It is advisable to |
| Tramping track: It requires skill and experience. It is | | | | consult the DOC if in doubt. |
| constructed to boot standard (hiking boots required). | | | | Make sure you have an experienced tramper for |
| It is suitable for people of average physical fitness. | | | | company, especially if he/she has encountered |
| Route: It requires a high degree of skill, experience | | | | weather conditions similar to the one you face on |
| and route-finding ability. It is suitable for experienced | | | | the day of the tramp. |
| and well equipped walkers. | | | | The weather in New Zealand can change very rapidly. |
| (Track Definition Source:Lonely Planet - New Zealand) | | | | Consult your nearest DOC field centre for the latest |
| Tramping tracks in New Zealand are several thousand | | | | track and weather conditions before commencing the |
| kilometres long and are meticulously mapped. The | | | | tramp. Cancel the expedition if the weather is bad. |
| Deparment of Conservation has put in a splendid | | | | Carry water and drink at regular intervals. |
| effortover the years to establish a brilliant | | | | Carry high energy food as you may be out longer |
| accommodation network for trampers in the form of | | | | than you expect. |
| huts and campsites which liberate the hikers from | | | | Carry clothing layers to protect from the cold, wind |
| carrying along heavy sleeping tents and cooking | | | | and rain. Be aware that synthetic clothing dries |
| equipment. | | | | quicker than cotton and wool. |
| An affordable backcountry hut ticket system allows | | | | It is wise to carry survival bags or tent fly in the |
| one access to this network. You can camp anywhere | | | | event of unanticipated overnight camping. Survival |
| unless specifically barred from doing so through | | | | bags are available at leading camping stores and DOC |
| signage. Instances can be in the form of water | | | | field centres. |
| catchments, sensitive habitats and private property. | | | | You will need transport to go to walking tracks. It is |
| One of the premier tramping tracks is the Great | | | | ideal to hire a Jucy New Zealand car hire and/or a |
| Walks. This can get crowded in peak tourist season | | | | Jucy New Zealand campervan rental. We would love |
| due to hikers descending here from all parts of the | | | | to take care of your tranportation needs and let you |
| world. | | | | have a delightful New Zealand tramping experience. |