| |
New Zealand >
About NZ > Tramping
Safety |
Insurance |
Camping Equipment |
Alpine Equipment
Tramping refers to hiking or doing extended walks
away from roads and civilization. This is a great
way to experience some peace and quiet in the
isolation of the forest and mountains, to see fantastic
scenery and the diverse flora, fauna and geology.
Trails range from gentle to very strenuous trails
which can involve serious climbing.
The more popular walkways are maintained by
DOC
and will often have huts for trampers to stay
overnight and trampers must book through
DOC
offices or sometimes local stores in the region.
Safety:
Many trampers get lost and waste the time of search
and rescue organizations and some trampers die every
year because they failed to take adequate provisions
and clothing.
The New Zealand weather can change very quickly
and trampers should always be prepared for all
conditions. A sleeping bag, adequate waterproof and
warm clothing, cooking utensils and sufficient food
are essential. In winter, snow may make travel very
difficult. Always cross streams and rivers with
care. Do not attempt to cross them if they are
flooded or swollen after heavy rain. Extreme weather
conditions can cause trees to become unstable.
Let people know where you are going and your
intended time of return. If no one knows where you
are and you have an accident or get lost, help may
never arrive and you die. Most
DOC
administered trails will have an intentions book at
the trail end or in the national Parks this book
will be in the visitor centre. So sign in and write
your intentions.
Learn to read and carry a topographical map of
the area you intend to walk in, and in areas like
the Urewera
National Park, take a compass.
DOC
visitor centres provide route maps and cost 1 - 2 $.
(Topographical maps are available from most book
stores for 10-15$each).
Travel with a group: Never travel alone. In the event of an accident,
there is a better chance of prompt help. Four is a safe minimum.
Always wear b shoes, sports/running shoes may
be ok for short walks and day walks in good
conditions, however quality walking boots are best
for most conditions. In the more extreme, an ice axe
and crampons may be required.
For walks where your leave your car and venture
into the bush for only an hour or two, you should
carry a minimum of a warm sweater or waterproof
jacket, water and some snack food.
All day walks -
you should carry warm clothing and a waterproof jacket and food
sufficient for an overnight stay.
For over night and longer walks, thermal clothing
is best worn with spare clothes carried along with a
sleeping bag, food for the intended duration of the
walk plus one day extra. In many places you will
also have to carry a cooker and fuel.
Take sunblock and sunglasses for those fine days
or when venturing on to snow.
Safety |
Insurance |
Camping Equipment |
Alpine Equipment
Recommended General
Camping Equipment:
- walking boots
- three pairs of sox
- 2 x shorts and tee shirts
- thermal - wool/pollypro singlet with long sleeves and or roll top
- thermal - wool/pollypro long johns
- weather proof over trousers
- tent or bivvy bag
- back pack, 40 - 60 litres
- sleeping bag
- foam mat/thermarest
- weatherproof parka
- warm wool or fleece hat
- stove and fuel
- a billy or pot
- bowl, mug, knife, fork and spoon
- water bottle or flask to hold 2.0 litres
- lighter / matches
- shovel
- personal toiletries
- map and compass
- notebook and pencil
- 1st aid kit
- camera/film
- insect repellant
- one pair gloves
- sun hat
- sunglasses
There are many camping stores where you can get outfitted, and store
staff will often have knowledge of the area you intend to walk in if you
shop locally.
For Alpine Expeditions:
Please see the
Alpine Guides in our directory
for alpine equipment lists.
Insurance:
We recommend that all persons carry travel insurance. While the New
Zealand Accident Compensation covers the costs of rescue and medical costs
while you are in New Zealand in some circumstances, it may not apply to
evacuation costs for medical conditions.
Take only photos and memories - leave only foot prints.
National
Parks
|
|
|
|
