For a complete beginner, going from a casual day hike to a well-planned multiday tramp, as they are called in New Zealand, can be a daunting task. In this article, we will help you make the jump with advice on the essential backpacking gear that you will need to acquire in order to be safe, self-sufficient and comfortable. We will then focus on organizing a walk in New Zealand: with its majestic scenery, first grade tracks and handy backcountry huts, this is perfect tramper country, from beginner right through to expert.

Enjoy the ride.

Backpack

As a tramper out on a multiday hike, your average load will probably be around 10-15 kg. To make the heavy load bearable, it is essential to have a comfortable pack.

• A hip belt is a must have. Prefer one that is wide and well padded.
• Pick a pack that also has a good adjustable back harness.
• 60-70l is a good size for most people.
• Make sure the fabric, zips and buckles are sturdy.
• Never buy a pack without trying it on first, and never try it on empty. Ask a salesperson to help you adjust the belt and straps if you’re unsure of what you’re doing.
• Don’t forget the accessories. Some packs come with an integrated rain cover, but many don’t. Make sure to get one, and grab a pack liner as well in order to make your pack as waterproof as possible.

Sleeping Bag

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to make you feel good. And if you want to have any of those when out in the bush, you will need to get a good sleeping bag that will keep you safe and warm.

• Down bags are the warmest, the lightest and the most compact. Unfortunately, they are expensive and won’t keep you warm when wet, a problem that is made worse by the fact that they take a long time to dry.
• Synthetic bags are cheaper and will retain heat even when they are wet. They also tend to dry more quickly. However they are both bulkier and heavier than down bags of the same temperature rating.
• Make sure the temperature rating of your bag abides by EN13537 norms otherwise it may be wildly optimistic. The rating should give you temperatures for comfort (relaxed sleep), lower limit (sleeping curled on yourself for extra warmth) and extreme (survival). For 3-season use in New Zealand, try to pick a bag rated 0°C to -5°C.
• If hiking as a couple, try to get a left zip on one bag and a right zip on the other. This way you’ll be able to zip your bags together.

Tent and Sleeping Mat

These 2 key items may not be as important in New Zealand as they are elsewhere, thanks to a widespread network of backcountry huts:

• If you only intend to stay in popular, pre-booked Great Walk huts, packing a tent and mat is not necessary.
• If you intend to stay in more remote huts, it is recommended to take a tent and mat in case the hut turns out to be full, or an emergency arises.
• Camping is the alternative of choice for those who are on a budget and/or want to get away from the crowds.

 Should you decide to camp or at least carry a tent as a safety measure, keep in mind the following:

• Choose a 3-season tent that is well-ventilated and truly waterproof (>5000 mm water column). Check the dimensions to make sure you can both lie down and sit up inside. Roomy vestibule(s) are a big plus for pack storage and/or cooking in bad weather. Regarding weight, aim for a tent that works out at 1 kg/person, i.e. a 2-person tent should be around 2 kg.

• Consider getting a groundsheet, or footprint, to further waterproof the tent floor.

• A sleeping mat is essential for comfort and to insulate you from the cold coming from the ground. You can get either a foam mat that is light and cheap but bulky, or an inflatable mat that is heavier and more expensive but more compact and more effective.

 Other essential gear

• Food and cooking. Small gas stoves are cheap and convenient. Pack enough canisters for the duration of the trip. The less crockery you have, the lighter your pack will be: a billy can take care of all the cooking. Don’t forget plates, cups and cutlery. Food should be light and easy to conserve, for instance: muesli for breakfast, nuts for snacks, cheese and salami for lunch, dehydrated meal for dinner. To make the load lighter, leave all packaging at home, carefully measure the quantities needed and pack them in Ziploc bags.  For more information about tramping food check out Food to Go

• Footwear. Get proper tramping boots that will support your ankles. Full leather boots will be the most durable and the most water tight, but they are also the heaviest and the most expensive. Lighter Gore-Tex boots may be a better alternative. Consider bringing along a pair of sandals for creek crossings and relaxing at camp.

• Clothing. Always be prepared for the weather to turn nasty. Clothes that will keep you dry and warm are essential: always take a good waterproof jacket with a hood, a warm jumper and a beanie. If you’re heading for the mountains, add thermals, gloves and gaiters. Always pack spare clothes so that you can change into something dry to sleep. Prefer fabrics that will dry quickly (jeans are a no-no).

• Miscellaneous items. Map, headlamp, first aid kit, toilet paper, rubbish bag (everything must be carried out)… make a list and double check before you go!

With the gear out of the way, you will then be able to concentrate on organizing your walk.

 Transport

 There is one warning to keep in mind before you fly to New Zealand: they take biosecurity seriously. Declare all tramping and camping gear to customs. The easiest way to go through quickly and with no drama is to clean all your gear beforehand – be especially mindful about soil left on tent pegs or boot soles. If your gear isn’t clean enough, you may be in for a wait as it gets fumigated.

 This issue aside, traveling in and around New Zealand is easy:

• The country has 3 main international airports: Auckland and Wellington on the North Island, Christchurch on the South Island. From Australia, you may also catch direct flights to a few smaller airports: Queenstown and Dunedin on the South Island, Rotorua and Hamilton on the North Island.

• Connecting domestic flights service a number of other cities such as Nelson, near Abel Tasman National Park.

• You can also get around by rental car or bus. If planning your trip in advance, Naked Bus will provide unbeatable fares based on a simple principle: the earlier you book, the cheaper you travel.

• Great Walks and other popular tracks can be accessed thanks to shuttle buses that will drop you off and/or pick you up at trailheads. Just ask the local information center (i-site) for a list of operators.

 On-track accommodation

Although the romance of setting off into the bush for a few days might trick you into thinking you can just go without further ado, this is not quite true: on-track accommodation will usually need to be sorted beforehand.

• If you’re doing a Great Walk, you will need to book everything in advance, whether you’re staying in huts or on campgrounds. This also means you have to work out your itinerary first, as you will need to know at which site you will be staying each night of your walk.

• Booking is easy to do online on the DoC website. In New Zealand, you may also book your walks from any i-site, and take the chance to pick up advice at the same time.

• Make sure you book early to avoid disappointment if you intend to do the most popular tracks during peak season: the Milford, for instance, is fully booked months in advance.

• Outside of Great Walks, things are a lot more laidback and aside from a few exceptions there is no booking system. Huts are split into 3 categories: basic (bunks, water supply), standard (+ table and benches, wood heater below bushline), serviced (+ heating and sometimes cooking stove). Basic huts are free, but to stay in other huts you will need to pre-purchase nightly Hut Tickets (NZ$5 for standard huts, NZ$15 for serviced huts) or a Hut Pass (NZ$122 for 1 year or NZ$92 for 6 months). Tickets and passes can be bought from i-sites, DoC offices and many camping stores.

• Neither the tickets nor the pass guarantee you a spot in the huts – outside of Great Walks, huts work on a first come, first served basis. If the hut happens to be full, you’ll have to try to squeeze in or put up your tent outside instead.

• You can camp on those non-Great Walk tracks for free most of the time. The only exception is camping by a serviced hut, which is charged NZ$5 a night. All campers are welcome to use hut facilities.

 Safety

 Last but not least, keep these simple safety tips in mind before you go, and don’t forget them once on-track:

• Always make sure you have everything before you go – checklists are a must.

• Pick a track suited to your fitness and experience level – if in doubt, start with an easy Great Walk then gradually work your way up to harder tracks. New Zealand is not a flat country, so always be prepared for steep bits, even on easy walks. Estimates given on signs are always for actual walking time, and don’t account much for dallying and taking longer breaks.

• Be mindful of the weather – if the forecast is for heavy rain or other difficult conditions, you may want to reconsider going, especially if the track involves creek crossings.

• Rivers are dangerous – if in doubt about your ability to cross safely, turn back. Never go into a flooded river.

• Take at least a day’s worth of extra food – if you get stuck, you’ll be happy you did.

• Make your intentions known – give your full itinerary and due date to a trusted person so they can sound the alarm if you don’t make it out in time. All huts have logbooks, make sure you leave an entry in all of them so that rescuers may find you more quickly should an emergency arise.

 That’s it – you are now fully equipped to start your own adventure in the wilds of New Zealand. Make sure it’s a good one!

What do you think of the list?

Have we overlooked or missed anything?

Have you tramped in New Zealand? We would love you to share your experiences, shoot us a comment below.

Stephanie Cotteret is a freelance travel writer and photographer who is currently enjoying many “tramps” in New Zealand. She is a regular contributor to Australia-Australie.com , France’s leading website for Working Holidaymakers and backpackers. Check out her photography portfolio online , or contact her on toothbrushnomads[at]gmail[dot]com.