Choosing the Ideal Outstanding Trek: A Guide

Get ready for an unforgettable journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes as the booking season for the country's most iconic tramping tracks, known as the Great Walks, approaches. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan your adventure.

Firstly, it's important to note that the booking for these walks opens at different times. The Milford Track, Lake Waikaremoana, Abel Tasman Coast Track, Rakiura Track, Whanganui Journey, Routeburn Track, Paparoa Track, Kepler Track, Heaphy Track, and Tongariro Northern Circuit will become available for booking on May 28, May 30, June 5, and June 6 respectively, on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website.

If a spot on a Great Walk is not available, fear not! There are other summer tramping options to explore around the motu, as suggested by Plan My Walk.

When choosing a walk, consider the ability and needs of everyone in your group, including underlying health conditions or injuries. Make sure the walk is suitable for children if they are part of your group. The Milford Track, for instance, is not recommended for children under 10 due to the exposed mountainous environment and often adverse weather.

Evaluate the difficulty of each section of the track, including elevation gain, track, and terrain. The Kepler Track, for example, offers a variety of landscapes, from beech forests to alpine ridges, making it a popular choice for many adventurers.

Research different walks on offer to find one that suits you. Essential resources for research include the NZ Hiking + Tramping Video Series, Plan My Walk, and the DOC website. Find out about other people's experiences of the walk through Plan My Walk, tramping groups on social media, and local DOC Visitor Centre.

Booking for the Kepler Track can be done online on the DOC website. Remember to consider the length of the track and suggested walking times for each day to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Lastly, always remember to adhere to the NZ Land Safety Code. This emphasises the importance of choosing the right trip, understanding the weather, packing warm clothes and extra food, sharing plans and taking ways to get help, taking care of oneself and each other, and preparing for bad weather and an unexpected night out.

With careful planning and preparation, your Great Walks adventure in New Zealand is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Happy hiking!