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