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Multi-day adventures on foot are a Kiwi speciality — but with a handful of officially designated ‘Great Walks’ to choose from, what should you know before embarking on a hike?
ByJustin Meneguzzi
Published January 26, 2024
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
For travellers with serious hiking ambitions, there’s no better country than New Zealand. ‘Tramping’, as the locals call it, is easy and accessible in this land of fern-fringed rivers, glacial valleys and volcano calderas. But the crowning glory is its ‘Great Walks’ — a collection of 11 multi-day hiking trails that capture the best of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes. Though easy enough to complete, tackling any one of them requires planning — so, from how to budget or book huts to what to pack, here’s all you need to know.
Do I need a permit to do a Great Walk?
No. However, to limit the impact of people on the natural environment, the Department of Conservation (DOC) requires hikers to book huts and campsites in advance. Most trails have two or more huts and you’ll need to book all of them together. Amenities can vary but huts tend to feature bunk beds in shared rooms, cooking facilities, heating, lighting, mattresses, toilets and non-potable water.
How far in advance do I need to book accommodation along the Great Walks?
The DOC takes bookings in June for the following season (October to April). Because of their popularity, huts and campsites can sell out within minutes, especially on the Milford Track and Abel Tasman Coast Track. If you miss out, you can still book with one of the local tour operators, which are allocated hut and campsite beds in advance or run their own lodges along the trail.
What should I pack for a multiday hike?
You’ll need a good-quality hiking pack and hiking shoes. Some trails traverse estuaries and rivers or stop at watering holes, making hiking sandals (and insect repellent) useful. Thermals and a rain jacket are a must. Guided tour operators generally include packed lunches, hot meals, snacks and drinks for guests, but if you’re travelling independently you’ll need to pack cooking equipment and food. You’ll also need bags to take your rubbish out in.
Are the Great Walks suitable for beginners?
They’re all graded ‘intermediate’, although some are more difficult than others due to terrain. However, they’re well-constructed, well-maintained and have clear signage, making them suitable for new and seasoned hikers. If you’re not confident, consider joining a specialist tour that will transport most of your luggage so you can hike more lightly. Apps such as Plan My Walk feature useful packing lists, track alerts and weather forecasts.
How much should I budget for a Great Walk?
This depends on the number of nights on the trail and how you choose to travel. For example, staying in a DOC hut on the five-day Abel Tasman Coast Track costs NZ$56 (£26.88) a night or NZ$24 (£11.50) a night for a campsite pitch. Transport to and from the trailhead (either by water taxi or bus shuttle) is around NZ$50 (£24) each way. By comparison, a guided walk with operator Wilsons Abel Tasman starts from NZ$2,750 (£1,320) and includes your guide, snacks, meals, transport, accommodation, linen and luggage bags.
How to do it:
Airlines including British Airways, Air New Zealand and Emirates fly from London airports to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown, with one or two stops.
Peak season for travel is December to February. Average flight time to Auckland: 24h
The Great Walks season runs from late October to late April, but some trails can be walked year-round. The South Island, especially in the southern half, has a cooler and wetter climate than the North Island, however most of the Great Walks tend to have changeable weather; pack for all conditions. Only highly experienced and self-sufficient hikers should attempt these trails from May to September.
Trailfinders offers a 21-day Great Walks of New Zealand package that includes three of the Great Walks (the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and the Abel Tasman Coast and Routeburn Tracks), from £5,935 per person, based on two adults sharing, excluding flights.
For a comprehensive list of local operators offering tours of individual trails click here.
Published in the Jan/Feb 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
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