What to take
on a
GREAT WALK
It is essential to have suitable equipment, clothing and food for a safe
and enjoyable Great Walks experience.
Great Walks season guide only
Personal equipment Clothing
Backpack (40–60 litre size for multi-day hiking) For multi-day hiking you will need at least one set of clothes
to hike in and another dry set to change into at night.
Waterproof/plastic pack liner
Sleeping bag (3–4 season) H
iking boots or firm footwear (should be comfortable
and well broken in)
F
irst aid kit (including insect repellent, sunscreen, blister
kit, personal medication e.g. antihistamine for allergy to Socks (wool or polypropylene)
wasp stings)
Shorts (quick dry material)
urvival kit (survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high
S
energy snack food) Shirt (wool or polypropylene)
S
afety equipment relevant to the track and time of year Under layers, top and bottom (wool or polypropylene)
(e.g. map, compass, tide timetable)
Mid-layers (wool or polar fleece)
D
rink bottle (1-2 litre capacity)
Raincoat (waterproof, windproof with hood)
You need to drink regularly during the day
Overtrousers (wind and water proof)
E
ating and cooking utensils (knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, Warm hat and gloves
pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel)
Sunhat and sunglasses
Matches or lighter in waterproof container
Extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey
T
oiletries
Do not wash or use soap in lakes or streams Food
Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
You are not able to buy food on the track.
Bring food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy
Rubbish bag value. For example:
All rubbish must be taken out with you •B
reakfast: cereal/porridge/oats, firm bread, honey
or other spreads
Tickets and ID
• Lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami, jam/jelly, fruit
Portable stove and fuel*
•D
inner: instant soup, pasta or rice, dried vegetables
Candles* or fruit, cheese or dehydrated (freeze-dried) meals.
Toilet paper* You will also need water, snacks, biscuits, muesli bars, tea
or coffee, powdered fruit drinks and emergency food in case
Optional of any delays on the track.
Camera
Ear plugs for communal bunkrooms
*R
equired only on the following Great Walks: Rakiura
Track, Lake Waikaremoana, Abel Tasman Coast Track,
and Heaphy Track (Brown Hut and Gouland Downs Hut).
These huts do not provide gas cooking facilities, lighting
or toilet paper.
PAGE 1 of 2
What to take
on a
GREAT WALK
Optional clothing
Gaiters
Great Walks seasons and equipment
For safety reasons the Tongariro Northern
Lightweight shoes for inside the huts
Circuit, Milford Track, Routeburn Track,
Kepler Track and Whanganui Journey do
For coastal tracks and river journeys not operate as Great Walks/Easier tramping
Swimwear tracks during the winter months (season dates
Sandals or aqua shoes for walking in water change slightly each year).
Important note: It is not possible to dry clothes in the huts. If attempting these tracks outside of the
Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts are Great Walks season you will need additional
not suitable. equipment.
For more information see:
If you are camping ... doc.govt.nz/greatwalks_winter
Tent
Ground sheet
Portable stove and fuel Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
Note: Camping is not permitted on the Milford Track. 1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
Extra things for the Whanganui Journey
3. Be aware of the weather
Life-jacket
4. Know your limits
Kayak or Canadian canoe
5. Take sufficient supplies
Paddle/s (include a spare)
P
lastic drums (or equivalent) for storing food, Tell someone your plans
dry clothes and personal equipment
Tell someone your plans and leave a date to
Dry bags raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. See the
A
copy of the New Zealand Canoe Association’s
Outdoors Intentions process at:
‘Guide to the Whanganui River’ (optional) adventuresmart.org.nz
These items can be hired as a package from local suppliers.
Further information and bookings
Visit the Great Walks website or contact your
nearest DOC Visitor Centre.
Phone: 0800 NZ GREATWALKS (0800 694 732)
Email: greatwalks@doc.govt.nz
Book online: greatwalks.co.nz
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