One of the best methods of traveling throughout New Zealand doesn’t require any mode of transportation except your feet. Tramping, known as hiking and other terms abroad, is an extremely popular way to enjoy New Zealand. The majority of the national parks in New Zealand are managed by the country’s Department of Conservation. The DOC offers tons of information that is extremely useful for trampers in New Zealand. As always, you should follow the “safety first” rule when tramping in NZ. This requires you to be sufficiently prepared and equipped. For example, if you’re not ready for inclement weather, you could get sick or even die. Another possible problem is that streams and rivers frequently rise quickly during rainstorms, which could increase the likelihood of drowning.
Due to the possible issues you could encounter when tramping in New Zealand, it’s of the utmost importance that you be ready for every situation. For example, get the latest weather forecasts each hour. Snow is common in high-elevation areas, even in the summertime. Also, the backcountry often experiences heavy rains. Next, you’ll likely need to refill your canteens with drinking water while tramping throughout New Zealand. In the majority of back country regions you can drink water directly from streams. However, be aware that contaminated water is present in some regions, such as on North Island. Some solutions are to boil water for three minutes or more, or dissolve water-purifying tablets into the water.
While tramping throughout New Zealand, you’ll discover that national parks often have hut accommodations. They can vary quite greatly in quality, although they’re all one of the hidden treasures of the country’s backcountry. Typically the huts are located one day’s worth of tramping apart. Several of the huts date back to the 1960s and 1970s, when the Forest Service constructed accommodations for government deer collectors. Keep in mind that there are two primary classes of huts. There are backcountry huts and there are great walk huts. The former are basic but very affordable. Ranging from $0-15 per visitor each night. On the other hand, the rates for great walk huts range from $10-55 per person, per night. Some perks they include are cooking and heating facilities.
Tenting is another option that you have when tramping. Nearly all great walk huts are adjacent to dedicated tent sites. Going on a tent tramping provides you with some freedom to select where to sleep at nighttime. If the weather is pleasant then it can be a thrill to sleep outdoors in a tent located at a mountaintop, rather than in a hut. However, if huts are available on the track that you select to walk on, then you won’t require a tent. That said, if a hut is full or filthy, you probably wouldn’t regret having brought a tent with you.
Without a doubt, tramping is one of the most unique and thrilling ways to travel in New Zealand. By following some basic guidelines and having certain know-how, you’ll be able to experience tramping at its best.