Multiday Tramping
Exploring the wilderness of New Zealand on foot is immensely rewarding and is something that three-quarters of a million people do each year. However, it comes with some unique challenges. Our landscape is rugged, steep, remote and often covered in dense bush or is exposed to wild weather patterns. The weather can be notoriously fickle and changes can occur very quickly. Don’t be surprised if you’re caught in a storm in the middle of summer, especially if your intended journey takes you above 1000m altitude.
Did you know?
72% of search and rescues are to recover a single person or someone who has been separated from a multi-person group.– There and Back, 2016
No two tracks are the same. Each one will require different levels of fitness, equipment and planning. It doesn't take a big injury to slow you or your group down considerably and there are plenty of people who've got lost at a track junction. If you do have an 'incident' in the Kiwi outdoors and you end up spending an unexpected night out the temperature can drop dramatically and its often damp as well. You'll be thankful you planned accordingly – let's get started.
The remoteness of many of New Zealand's tracks means you can't rely on your cellphone if you need help. It's up to you to make smart decisions and tell someone your plans before you head out. That way if you're not back when you expected to be, someone can send out a call for help on your behalf.
Helpful hint:
The average speed for a group tramping in New Zealand is approximately 3km/h. This varies depending on fitness of group and track difficulty.
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The first thing to remember is that every trip needs a plan, even a short day walk. It doesn't take much to turn a short walk into an 'unexpected night out' in the bush. If you've planned before you hit the track using the outdoor safety code as a guide, there's a good chance you'll be prepared to handle an unexpected turn of events.
Safety is the outcome of good planning and good decision making– Mike Daisley, MSC CEO
Key Insights
Each year 769,363 people go tramping in New Zealand. 447,366 are international visitors.– There and Back, 2016.
51% Of Tramping injuries were during the first four months of the year.– There and Back, 2016.
The Central North Island has 10.5x the national average of search and rescues.– There and Back, 2016.
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Key resources
Activity Guides
This guide has been developed to help you plan your trip onto the outdoors. It's available to read and download for FREE. To read click on the image below.
Read and download the 'Day Walking' guide in
Videos
Head to MSC's YouTube channel and explore the 'Get outdoors' playlist. There is lots of information on our Facebook page as well.
'How easy is it to get lost outdoors?' - Newshub, 2016
'Lachlan Forsyth tries to get hypothermia' - Newshub, 2016
Did you know?
You can expect the temperature to drop 0.7°c for every 100m of elevation gained.
What should you take?
New Zealand weather is very changeable. Even if you set out in the sunshine and there is no rain in the forecast it's not uncommon to have an isolated shower. Make sure you take rain protection and extra layers you can put on if it gets cold. Having the right supplies means that you're more likely to remain warm, comfortable and safe for the duration of your trip. Read our blog for more on this.
Wear the right fabrics. Clothing only retains what heat your body produces. Certain fabrics wick moisture away from the body and retain warmth. Avoid cotton clothing – when cotton gets wet it ceases to insulate you. Wet and cold clothing significantly contributes to hypothermia.
Wear the right fabrics. Clothing only retains what heat your body produces.
There are a few other essentials you should have on you when tramping
Note, this is by no means the full list, rather it's the items you really shouldn't leave without. Head to our resources section for more on gear lists.
- A comfortable backpack. A good estimate is 60L per person for a 2–3 day trip. Test your pack to make sure you can fit everything in, that you can carry it, and that it fits well!
- A specifically designed MSC pack liner, or you can use a (new) rubbish bag but be careful you don't poke holes in it when loading / unloading your gear. This is one of the simplest yet most important pieces of equipment. It keeps everything in your pack dry. An elasticated, fabric pack cover over your pack may not keep your things dry in rain.
- Shelter. Even if you’re not planning on staying in huts, a lightweight emergency shelter is a good idea.
- Always take more than you think you'll need.
- A basic first aid kit with any personal medication you may need.
- A map of your walk.
- A communication device. Mobile phones have limited coverage in most outdoor locations. If you are going into a remote area consider hiring a personal locator beacon.
Helpful hint:
Write in every hut book you come across, even if you're not staying the night - this is the first place Search and Rescue look if they're trying to find you.
Helpful links
Department of Conservation - Explore walks in your region
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Read Outdoor Safety Code
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