Previously we discussed the benefits of tramping and why we should go; this segment will explain what you need to take and cover some good places to explore.

When packing for any tramp it should be done with your attention focused firstly on which items will be essential in a survival situation (e.g. clothes, food, water) down to what will make the trip more pleasurable (e.g. wine, a pillow, blow-up doll etc). New Zealand’s weather is about as predictable as French rugby, so when going into the outdoors it is crucial to be as informed as possible about the area you are going to explore. It is important that you prepare for the weather to change at any instant. Even in summer if you are going on an overnight or multi-day trip it is essential to take a water-proof layer, as the most important thing in the bush is to be able to keep warm - and when you are dry it is a lot easier to stay warm and to heat up. A first aid kit (prepared hiking ones can be brought cheap at Kathmandu) and a map of your route (Wises maps, or regional park guides from your district council) are a must-have for every trip. Maps can also be purchased at information centers and good book stores.

Food and water are vital in any outdoor expedition and the New Zealand bush doesn’t naturally have many valuable food sources. During summer it can also be hard to find a readily available water supply. To keep energy levels and awareness up food and water must be consumed regularly, so make sure you’ve got a plentiful supply of things like scroggin.

The next most important items to have on an overnight or multi-day tramp are your sleeping bag and shelter. The sleeping bag is a vital implement to keep you warm during the night when it’s coldest - but it’s ineffective without some form of shelter. This may be a tent, fly sheet, or natural 'bivy' (or bivouac ). In winter I advise always taking a tent but in warmer months a fly sheet can be a great way to stay dry and not take up much weight or room in your pack. It's also good to have a bed roll or therma-rest mattress as this will insulate you from the ground, which draws heat from your body, and they’re also very lightweight to carry. Sturdy tramping boots will be more comfortable than walking or running shoes and help prevent ankle injury. When packing a simple way to remember the best order to do so is this: put the things that you won't need till you get to camp at the bottom, and the things that need to be accessible near the top. Heavier items like cookers, pots and tents should be packed at the bottom of your pack so the weight will be carried on your hips, creating a lower center of gravity.

Of course where you live will largely determine the area you will be exploring. All over New Zealand there are many amazing trails that can be accessed by anyone within driving distance. In the North Island, as well as many awesome coastal walks, Auckland offers amazing experiences in the Waitakere Ranges. There's both coastal and bush trails that span many beautiful and rugged beaches, cliffs, and streams, with some great history including the old logging tramway at Karekare beach. South of Auckland lies the Hunua Ranges which offer a more dense and rough experience, being one of the only areas of bush that have all the Podocarps (big ass native trees), and is actively used by wild pig hunters. Further south is the Tongariro National Park, which provides a sub-alpine adventure offering breath taking views and New Zealand’s most popular day walk - the Tongariro Crossing. On the right day you can see Mt Taranaki on the West Coast as well as the other great mountains of the park, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe. It’s a fantastic area for trampers of all experience levels but be prepared for drastic climate changes.

Wellington has many beautiful walks that you can take guided and unguided, check this link for more information. Meanwhile the South Island has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and is home to the Fiordland national park, Fox Glacier and the Southern Alps. You can choose to go into true wilderness, or opt for a more pleasant yet challenging multi-day experience in real New Zealand bush. The Milford Track in Fiorldland is New Zealand’s most popular and arguably most beautiful multi-day walk at 53km and is a must do if you have the opportunity (and the money). Around Queenstown and Christchurch there are many fabulous short walk experiences to be had for all levels of experience and it’s a matter of choosing a route that will work for you.

When going into the outdoors it is vital that you prepare appropriately in order for your experience to be as beneficial as possible. Taking appropriate consideration of weather, equipment, your experience levels, and the aim of your trip will ensure a positive outcome. Don’t be ignorant, be educated. Enjoy New Zealand 8-)
Happy Tramping!

Further resources:

The Department of Conservation guide to parks
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council