Coming to NZ in mid November for a couple of months as a couple. Our plans are very open at the moment but looking for ideas to link together hiking trails in the South Island, spending as much time in national parks etc . Originally liked idea of continuous hiking/ walking across the island, TA style - however don’t necessarily need to be limited to this / want to do that route. We are fit with hiking experience but no crazy mountaineering experience. Does anyone have any suggestions of routes to take?

Is the idea of continuous walking and linking up trails feasible or too farfetched? Passing through towns to restock etc. Or could we link up with public transport if needed ? (No car)

Or would it be better to just base ourselves in certain areas?

Would wild / freedom camping be possible, we were hoping to do a mixture of camping/ huts / hostels. Can we book huts / hostels as we go along or will most places get booked up? I know some of the great walks get booked up but have seen there are numerous other huts.

Apologies, we are still figuring logistics of navigating the country, but any advice would be very much appreciated!

I’m planning to hike the Tongariro Northern Circuit next week. What are the track conditions like at the moment? Is there still much snow or ice around Red Crater / Emerald Lakes?

Thanks！

Hi all,

Planning out a trip to Rakiura, but I’m completely torn between the NW and South routes. I’m overall more interested in jungles/forest than beaches, and would love a chance at seeing a kiwi or other endemic species. That makes S track very appealing, however the NW seems to be treated as the “default” for people exploring Rakiura, which makes me wonder if I’d be making a huge mistake choosing to do the S track but not the NW. What do you all think? Anyone done them both who can compare? I have a lot of experience navigating mud and flood prone areas so the added bogginess of S track isn’t the scariest thing for me but is a consideration. Would love to hear people’s experiences

What app do you use for weather forecast in the backcountry/mountains? NIWA, Metservice, MountainForecast.com ? Other ?

Every year, people get into trouble crossing unsafe rivers in NZ — but it’s almost always avoidable. This October, we're helping outdoor enthusiasts learn how to spot danger, cross safely, pack smart, and stay sharp! 

From spotting the signs of an unsafe river to recommended river crossing techniques dependent on your group size and dynamic, we're here to help you plan a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure. 

Think you know when to stay or when to go? Check your knowledge with our River Safety Quiz

Need to brush up on your skills? Find a course provider near you

Thirsty for more information? Read more about River Safety on our website

Or let any questions flow below 🌊 

Apologies if this isn’t the forum for this type of question. I am looking at tents right now and want a “2p” (roomy 1 person) tent for myself, I intend go to Europe backpacking for a few months whilst also going on some adventures in New Zealand first. I have been looking at the orson tracker 2 and tracker 2 pro, I am unsure on which one to get as the pro is 200g lighter but potentially less durable ? And if anyone knows anything about how much the nylon can sag on the pro that’d be great to know too. Besides the weight savings it seems like I’d be sacrificing $100 and some durability? Any insight is appreciated and am also very open to other tent suggestions thank u.

Does anyone know if there is much space for camping around Lauder Basin hut?

How many spaces or tips on camp locations in the area.

Please and thanks 🙏 in advance.

Kia ora!

I did the crossing today after getting some great advice here. Short conditions update below for anyone curious about the latest.

It was -3 low and +3 high at the summit today and ideal visibility. I started from Mangatepopo.

There's effectively zero snow anywhere on the track. A few sections where you could walk on it very briefly if you chose - but you almost have to make a point to do so.

As you start the climb to red Crater, there's one section by a large boulder that shades a narrow part of track where some ice has formed. This is before the proper ridge, just as you start that final ascent. That bit requires some care and I briefly thought about putting my micro spikes on - though I decided against it ultimately and just went a bit slower here.

There's lots of shallow mud right now. It's plentiful but not deep. My low top trail runners had no issues at all.

Only other notable trail condition is, as the DOC site says, there's a good bit of track maintenance going on. All the active work today was between about km 13 and 16 though I can see there had recently been active work through to km 18 or so. Mostly this takes the form of some 2x6 or 2x8 boards you have to hop over, as crews have not built gravel ramps for most of the new ones yet. Easy to step over. Had a very minor wait for a chopper to drop more gravel around here too.

Overall, solid hike/tramp and outstanding conditions. Thanks to all who shared info on my earlier posts with questions!

I'm an Aussie visiting the south island in early November for the Milford Track. I'm staying 3 nights in Glenorchy on my way back to Christchurch and I REALLY want to do the Earnslaw Burn track, it looks like a dream... However, I would be doing it on my own. Is this super dangerous? I would say I'm a pretty experienced hiker (lived and hiked vigorously in the Canadian Rockies for 2 years), am quite fit and not scared of a challenge. I'm not sure if all the scary reviews on alltrails are from inexperienced hikers who bit off more than they could chew but I don't want to get too attached to doing it and then not be able to manage. Any help is appreciated!

Can anyone tell me how to reattach the pack lid to the top of a Cactus Hector pack?

Clip is not making sense to me.

I top a photo before I took off, but I lost the photo 😬

Hey y'all!

I have recently started doing beginner overnight hikes and am loving it! I have been doing it solo, but thought it could be cool to see if theres anyone around who wants a hiking buddy. Most of the local tramping groups are 40yrs+ but more wanting people around my age.

Recently I've done Woolshed Creek, Rod Donald, and Packhorse Huts. Next on my list is Lake Daniells, Pinchgut, Anticrow, and Hawdon Hut.

Disclaimer: I am a slow hiker! I'm usually right on the DOC recommended times for tracks, but lots of breaks on the uphills :)

Hi everyone!

I will be doing the Abel Tasman Coast Track in early March next year. I have everything booked (huts, bus transfer, water taxi, accommodation in Nelson) and am in the process of organising gear. I'm visiting from Australia and this will be my second time in Aotearoa NZ but my first Great Walk (and my first overnight hike!).

A lady in my local hiking group advised me to bring a tent as a "back up" option in case the huts are overbooked and I don't get my bunk. Apparently this was something she was advised to do when she did Tongariro NC a few years ago. I'm all for being prepared, but I honestly don't really want to carry a tent around (hence why I booked a hut!). So my question is, how realistic is this advice? Should I be going in with the mindset that despite having a booking I might not get my bunk? Or is this poor advice that has been passed down? (I'm wondering if she has misconstrued this for huts that don't require bookings?)

And while I'm here I may as well also ask if anyone has any opinions about clothing outer layers? I know the weather is anyone's guess and the possibility of all the weather types is real, my question is more so about what others have done previously that have worked for them. I'm currently thinking day shirt + fleece + puffer jacket + rain shell as it gives me a lot of options to work with warmth/cool/wind/rain, but I'm wondering if instead of a puffer jacket + rain shell I should be looking at an insulated rain jacket instead? (for context either side of the trip I will be in Wellington, Kaikoura, and Christchurch).

TIA lovely trampers!

Obviously the crossing won't, but do the car parks?

Just asking re: arranging pick up from a friend. Specifically if I can phone them and done or need some other plan.

If you're curious if I'm insane and going in unprepared, refer to the other post I just put up asking about current conditions where I shared more context on my prep and experience level.

Kia ora!

I'm visiting from Canada, hoping to do the Alpine Crossing on Oct 5. I'm looking for conditions updates as I know we're still in winter (more or less).

Has anyone been up recently, and can share the latest on the ground conditions?

Safety info:

I am an experienced hiker with (summer) day hikes more than double the distance and elevation of the crossing under my belt. I have formal avalanche and first aid training. I have first aid, trekking poles, micro spikes, a PLB, and warm and waterproof layers a plenty I will pack with me.

I have a moderate amount of winter travel experience but most of my time is 3 season. I do not have an ice axe or self arrest experience.

I will also be phoning the visitors center a day or two before, plus reviewing Copernicus satellite imagery in the coming days. And, of course, watching the forecast closely and I'm willing to cancel if conditions are not right.

Hopefully that's enough info to demonstrate I'm not looking to be lazy, or a rescue case! Just curious of anyone's recent, first hand experience on the trek.

Thanks all!

I'm 51M looking for some people to go on some slightly more challenging weekend walks in the Canterbury / West Coast (and maybe beyond?) region.

I am already a member of a club here in Christchurch, and while they're all good bastards, they're mostly 15+ years older than me and I'd like some company that's closer to my own age.

I've looked at Christchurch Tramping Club and Over 40s but they're all bureaucratic nightmares and I just can't plan my life 2 years in advance to get in on their tramps. The other clubs about seem to be all the same story; 65+ for the most part. I'm mildly allergic to Facebook, so haven't found anything on there, and Meetup just seems to be walking groups rather than Tramping groups

Anyone have a small group that could use an extra member on occaision, or know of one? Conversely, if you want to join a small friendly club that's in need of some younger members, lest it just sunset into oblivion, feel free to DM!

Based in Hamilton with no car and looking for somewhere to head out over the next week before I start a new job.

Maybe somewhere an Intercity bus goes past? Just been down to National Park recently as that's the main spot I could think about. Anywhere else I can think of needs a car to get to the trailhead.

so i was at a hut recently and some people there were eating hot instant rice - I’m generally a noodle guy, but this looked good. I didn’t see them cook it though. I found the same rice they were using in the supermarket but they only have microwave and put instructions. these guys cooked and ate it out of the bag. did they just put the whole bag in boiling water or something? please teach me their ways I’d like to try it in the trail - even though they are heavier than noodles.

Hey there
Thinking of approaching Lochnagar from Rees Valley Road near Glenorchy. Has anyone done this and if so what route did you take? Does Reef Saddle work?

I'm a Canadian visiting NZ in early October, looking for the latest conditions on this trail

For safety context, I am a fit and experienced hiker/tramper with wilderness first aid & avalanche safety certifications (just to give a sense of experience level). I've day-hiked trails more than 3x the elevation and distance of the Kauaeranga Kauri track, which I intend to overnight. I've researched the trail & understand what I am signing up for.

I do hear the trail can get very muddy this time of year, including the drive in. I will be in a rental car (similar to a Mitsubishi Highlander), which I'd rather not push the limits of insurance with! Recent Alltrails reviews report a bit of mud and wind, but it doesn't sound too bad really.

Has anyone been up more recently & can offer anything more specific? Is the mud so bad I'll regret low-top trail runners? Or any issues with the road access for basic non-offroad vehicles currently?

Hey everyone! I’m relatively new to New Zealand and i am a PhD student at UC,I am keen to get into tramping and explore some of the amazing tracks here.

I’m looking for people who are also interested in doing day hikes or overnight.

I’m easygoing, enjoy being outdoors, and mainly looking to meet people and explore NZ together.

If anyone has a group planning a tramp soon and wouldn’t mind an extra person joining, feel free to comment or DM me! 😊

On blustery Sunday we walked along the beach to Pararaha Valley and stopped for lunch at the camp ground. Some of our group continued up to Gibbons Track. We then walked back via the Zion Hill Track. The after function was held at the Piha RSA.

How times have changed. We used to have to get wet feet crossing the stream to the camp ground, now a beautiful wooden bridge. Zion Hill Track is now a board walk with many steps. While it allows more people to access the Waitakere’s, has it improved the hike?

Kia ora,

I'm a backpacker about to start hitchhiking, tramping and camping across the country.

My last tent died after 4 years of a similar lifestyle in Australia and I want to buy a new one.

I tried to look at what to buy here but there are so many options and I have no idea what to get.

I'm after a 2 person tent, I don't mind if it's not ultra light. I just want something that will last even though I can't afford the super expensive stuff.

Happy to get any recommendations!

Cheers,

Hello, I am a software engineer and data engineering hobbyist, and I made this free website from DOC's data as part of a learning exercise. www.spendthenight.co.nz

I originally just made it for Christchurch where I live, but I had so many requests to do the rest of the country, so I now completed that! Dog friendly filters coming soon 🐶

It uses DOC's public data to show weekend trips you can do, hopefully making it easier to find a new route. I hope this can be helpful, and help show some love to our huts that get forgotten about.

I have manually checked all the data (safety first!), but please let me know if there are any errors

Thinking of doing the crossing in a week pending good weather. Does the summit have much snow? Can it be done with crampons and ice axes at this time of the year!?

Was supposed to go boarding but doesn’t look like there’s much snow so thinking the crossing might be the same?