New Zealand Tramping - Kiwi Style
New Zealand is blessed with outstanding landscapes and breathtaking wilderness which can blow one's mind away. Tramping in Kiwi speak is normally called walking, hiking or trekking in other parts of the world. Tramping is the best way to drink in Aotearoa's natural beauty.
New Zealand's diverse terrain will have you spellbound ranging from greenbelt city areas to long beaches, coastal cliffs, grasslands, rainforests, farmlands, mountains and volcanic regions. It is any hiker's delight to be confronted by such a wide assortment of such inviting landscapes.
About 30% of tramping land is conservation land with access to the general public, protected under the umbrella of Department of Conservation (DOC). Most of this land is made up of forest parks, natural parks and other reserves.
Tracks are graded depending on their topography and level of difficulty. They can be classified as follows:
Path: Easy and well formed; Wheel chair access is allowed. Track is constructed to shoe standard (hiking boots not required). It is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels
Walking track: Easy and well formed; The track is construcrted to shoe standard. It is suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels.
Tramping track: It requires skill and experience. It is constructed to boot standard (hiking boots required). It is suitable for people of average physical fitness.
Route: It requires a high degree of skill, experience and route-finding ability. It is suitable for experienced and well equipped walkers.
[Courtesy:Lonely Planet - New Zealand]
There are several thousands of kilometres of walking tracks that are well mapped. To aid trampers, DOC has set up a fantastic network of huts and campsites that helps avoid lugging tents and sometimes cooking equipment.
Most huts and camping sites are moderately priced and operate through a backcountry hut ticket system. Camping is allowed anywhere except where specifically mentioned. These can be sensitive habitats, private land or water catchment areas.
One of the most popular tramping tracks is
The Great Walks
. This can get crowded in peak season as people from all over the world converge on these tracks.
The peak season for walking is during the school summer holidays in December and January. Tracks tend to get crowded. Most tracks can be walked from October to April though the best weather is from January to March.
Winter lasts from June to August and it is best to avoid tramping during this period. High altitude tracks in winter pose additional risk of avalanches.
To enjoy tramping, use quality footwear that is comforting to your feet. Keep your backpack light to reduce shoulder strain. Carry wet weather gear. Carry insect repellant as sandflies can be a problem in coastal areas.
Before you commence your walk, check whether the huts or camping sites you are staying in has cooking gear. If it is a no, do carry a stove available from camping shops.
For responsible tramping, it is important to keep in mind key factors such as wildlife conservation, cooking in public places, rubbish and human waste disposal.
Please visit the DOC site on New Zealand Environmental Care Code to get a good idea
Points to note:
- Tracks can vary in difficulty depending on the weather and season. Before going on a walk, it is best to carry a descriptive map and the most recent description of the tramping route you are taking. It is advisable to consult the DOC if in doubt.
- Make sure you have an experienced tramper for company, especially if he/she has encountered<
