New Zealand Hiking Adventure

Mother Nature has created New Zealand on an exquisite tapestry of mind blowing landscapes and pristine wilderness that can leave any himan speechless in wonder and awe. Tramping in local speak is another name for walking, trekking or hiking. Tramping is a wonderful mode of enjoying the ravishing beauty that NZ has to offer.

New Zealand's diverse terrain will have you spellbound ranging from greenbelt city areas to long beaches, coastal cliffs, grasslands, rainforests, farmlands, mountains and volcanic regions. It is any hiker's delight to be confronted by such a wide assortment of such inviting landscapes.

About 30% of hiking land is conservation land with access to the general public, protected under the umbrella of Department of Conservation (DOC). Most of this land is made up of forest parks, natural parks and other reserves.

Tracks are graded depending on their topography and level of difficulty. They can be classified as follows:

Path: Easy and well formed; Wheel chair access is allowed. Track is constructed to shoe standard (hiking boots not required). It is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels

Walking track: Easy and well formed; The track is constructed to shoe standard. It is suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels.

Tramping track: It requires skill and experience. It is constructed to boot standard (hiking boots required). It is suitable for people of average physical fitness.

Route: It requires a high degree of skill, experience and route-finding ability. It is suitable for experienced and well equipped walkers.

(Track Definition Source:Lonely Planet - New Zealand)

Tramping tracks are well mapped and extend over several thousand kilometres. Trampers are extremely well catered for by the DOC which has over the years established a superb network of huts and campsites that eliminates the problems of carting tents and cooking appliances.

This accommodation network is accessed through a backcountry hut ticket system. You are allowed to camp in any location unless there is a specific sign forbidding it. Examples include private land, water catchments and sensitive habitats.

The Great Walks is a renowned tramping track. Tourists from world over converge here during peak tourist season and crowding results.

The months of December and January are peak tramping season and it coincides with the school holidays. It is high traffic season. Tramping can be done from October to March but the best weather for this activity is January to March.

Tramping is best avoided between June and August. This is peak winter season. Tracks situated on high altitude are prone to avalanche risks.

If you wear good quality footwear that is easy on your feet, you will love the sport of tramping.

Alleviate shoulder strain by carrying a light backpack.

Carry wet weather gear.

The presence of sandflies in coastal regions warrants that insect repellant is a vital part of your backpack.

Before you commence your walk, check whether the huts or camping sites you are staying in has cooking gear. If it is a no, do carry a stove available from camping shops.

For responsible tramping, it is important to keep in mind key factors such as wildlife conservation, cooking in public places, rubbish and human waste disposal.

The degree of difficulty associated with tracks is due to the weather and the season. You are well advised to carry a detailed map and the latest information on the track that you intend to tramp on. If unsure, it is best to consult the Dept of Conservation.

Ensure you take an experienced tramper with you who has either been exposed to that route before or one who has faced climatic conditions prevalent on the day of your tramp.

The NZ weather is very fickle and changes without notice. Contact your nearest Dept of Conservation to get the latest information on track and weather conditions before setting out on your trip. If the weather is bad, it is best to cancel your tramping expedition.

Take enough water and ensure that you remain hydrated at all times.
You are better off taking high energy food as your trip can get longer than originally planned.

Take clothing offering protection from the wind, rain and the cold. Note that synthetic clothing dries faster than wool and cotton.

Excessive delay due to unforeseen circumstances may cause you to camp overnight. It is safe to carry survival bags or tent fly in that case. You can buy survival bags from camping outlets and/or Dept of Conservation field centres.

The hiking tracks are located all over the country. You will need a trusted travel companion to take care of your transportation needs. A Jucy New Zealand car rental and/or New Zealand campervan hire can come to your rescue allowing you to soak in the natural wonders that Mother Nature has to offer in the form of Aotearoa.

Courtesy: Tim Alpe

CEO Jucy Rentals

http://www.jucy.co.nz

Email: tim-alpe@jucy.co.nz
tim-alpe@jucy.co.nz
For Jucy adventure activity in our New Zealand car rental or campervan


Tim Alpe is the CEO of Jucy Rentals. Jucy is the market leader in the New Zealand car hire and campervan rental industry. With a tourism background and a passion for cars, Tim inspires the growth of Jucy with his dynamic vision and energy. It is time you enjoyed some New Zealand tramping in a Jucy New Zealand car hire.