3 minute read
Walking in New Zealand
Ōmāpere, Northland © Adobe Stock
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NEED TO KNOW: Visit www.doc.govt.nz for information on track closures, alerts relevant to conservation areas, weather updates and safety plans.
WHAT IS DOC? DOC stands for Department of Conservation (or ‘Te Papa Atawhai’). DOC manages a network of walks and over 950 huts. Its website is your go-to for all things hiking and tramping, including information on track closures and how to book DOC campsites and huts. – www.doc.govt.nz
WHAT ARE NEW ZEALANDS’ GREAT WALKS? In New Zealand you’ll hear fellow walkers rave about New Zealand’s Great Walks. With jaw-dropping scenery and well-kept multi-day trails (and one is even a canoe route), these 10 walks are considered unmissable.
WHAT SHOULD I TAKE? Appropriate footwear, plenty of water, and depending on the duration of your walk, ample food,first aid and a head torch. Even in the height of summer, a rain jacket and pack cover is recommended,as are waterproof bags for your tech and maps.
HOW CAN I BE ENVIRO-FRIENDLY? Leave no trace: carry out exactly what you carry in, including rubbish. Stay on marked tracks to protect the natural environment,and plan your trip well ahead so your environmental impact is minimal. Toilets aren’t always readily available, so be aware which tracks you might need to “dig and dispose”.
HOW DO I STAY ON TRACK? New Zealand’s walking tracks are vast and the bush is a labyrinth-like terrain. However, marked tracks are numerous, well-maintained and are dotted with orange triangles to guide you safely along the route.
Kaipara kauri trees © Adobe Stock
WHAT CAN I DO TO STAY SAFE? Plan well in advance and research your walk thoroughly. The weather an change quickly in New Zealand, often without warning. Always check the weather forecast and pack the right gear for the conditions. Ensure the track is well within your physical capabilities beforehand – and all those you’re going with.TOP TIP: MetService provides New Zealand’s official weather forecasts.See www.metservice.com for warnings, short and long-range forecasts and to download the mobile weather app.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW? • Care is needed when swimming on New Zealand beaches. Rips are dangerous but difficult to identify so aim to swim at patrolled beaches, stay within the flags and ideally, avoid going in alone. • Always lock your car, keep valuables and passports at your accommodation and don’t leave bags unattended. • Carry a mobile phone. In an emergency call 111.
TOHU WHENUA ARE PLACES AROUND NEW ZEALAND THAT MATTER TO KIWIS. RICH IN HISTORICAL OR CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE, VISITORS ARE PRESENTED WITH AUTHENTIC INSIGHT INTO AOTEAROA. VISIT TOHUWHENUA.NZ FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Go-To Online Resources
PLANNING MADE EASY: The free ‘Plan My Walk’ is the ultimate walking and tramping planning app and website. Plan My Walk helps with track inspiration of over 1000 tracks, before guiding the user through weather forecasts and alerts, any track information and relevant alerts, and a gear list. The plan page offers the ability to add details to the plan such as group members, a daily schedule and any important trip notes and documents. All of this important information is then shared to an emergency contact and group members. Find it at planmywalk.nz
ESSENTIAL SAFETY VIDEOS: • The Tramping Video Series: Season 1 and 2 takes you through some of Aotearoa’s most popular tramps and walks by showcasing the track and offering advice on how to prepare and what to expect on the trip. • How-To Videos: The 29 videos in the ‘Get Outdoors Series’ detail some of the things you’ll need to know before you go. They are free to watch online and include basic outdoor survival tips. Videos can be found at: www.mountainsafety.org.nz
Glenorchy © Adobe Stock
