My Guide to Solo Tramping in NZ
My Guide to Solo Tramping in NZ
This is a guest blog by Michelle Green, Long White Gypsy.
I wasn’t born a tramper. I grew up in a small town in the flattest part of England. The closest mountains were 3 hours away (an age in UK travel terms).
When I moved to New Zealand 20 years ago I had no idea that one day I’d be solo tramping across the North Island.
My solo journey began out of necessity, as none of my friends shared my outdoor enthusiasm.
What started as day hikes with my Mum soon evolved into a solo journey on the Te Araroa, a challenge I took on without any prior overnight tramping experience!
That experience taught me so much about solo tramping as a female in Aotearoa, and shaped my approach to tramping in New Zealand. If you’ve been nervous about getting started, here are some of the best lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Michelle's Tips for Going Solo
Here are the three non-negotiable things I do before and during my trips to make sure I have the best time possible.
- Be Prepared Upskill
My Te Araroa thru-hike highlighted the importance of thorough preparation for a trip. A full year of meticulous preparation meant I felt confident and capable, and made it much further than other thru hikers.
Upskilling is crucial. The river safety course I completed before Te Araroa has proved invaluable. Next on my list is navigation.
I consider every trip (no matter how short) as a learning opportunity, and come back with a list of things I can work on for next time.
A great place to start is the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s suggested gear lists on Plan My Walkwhich I have used to prepare for countless trips. There’s also an extensive list of skills providers on the Training sectionof its website.
- Always, Always Make a Plan (& Leave it With Someone)
Despite my growing experience, I still face anxiety on the trails. What helps is knowing that a detailed plan is left with someone I trust.
I’ve transitioned from handwritten notes to using the Plan My Walk app. The app makes sure you don’t forget any important details, allows you to input your intended route, and automatically updates your emergency contact if you make any last-minute changes.
- Emergency Communication Devices
I’ve been called crazy, but I carryboth a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a GPS device when I’m tramping. Let me explain why.
The GPS helps manage my pre-existing anxiety and PTSD by keeping me connected to the outside world. The PLB, which I hire, is my emergency communications backup.
=My loved ones are reassured by being able to track my location, and strict communication rules (such as sending messages at specific times) ensure that any deviation from my plan is quickly noticed.
Strictly adhering to these practices, though sometimes seen as excessive, are essential for my confidence and safety when I’m out there.
Hot Topics
Here are three of the most common things I hear women worrying about before a tramp and the things I do to overcome these concerns for myself.
- Wildlife Encounters
While New Zealand’s wildlife is relatively benign compared to other countries, being prepared is still essential and helps me feel more confident.
I've learnt about the animals (wild pigs, goats, cattle or deer) I might encounter on my trips and how best to approach them.
I always carry trekking poles, mainly to make my walk easier, but in a pinch, also as a defensive tool against aggressive animals. During hunting seasons, I either avoid known hunting areas or wear high-visibility gear for safety.
- Getting Lost
Apart from upskilling, this is one of the few tramping scenarios where I believe practice makes perfect. The more I get out onto the trails and practice following maps, GPS routes, marked and unmarked tracks, the more confident I become.
Planning and preparation are essential. I always know and understand the route I intend to take. If I'm unsure, I ring the local DOC Visitor Centre or ask for more information on a tramping forum.
- My personal safety
I can be nervous, particularly at night, but solo tramping is an empowering experience, and the more I do it, the more confident and comfortable I have become. Carrying personal safety items, like a whistle, GPS device and PLB, provides me with the sense of security I need. I've learnt to trust my instincts and choose huts/campsites that feel safe and secure to me.
Additional Tips From Michelle
- Start Slow and Build Up
As a solo tramper, it’s important for me to know my limits and avoid unnecessary risks. For each new region that I tramp in, I start small with short day hikes before building to easy overnight and then multi-day options.
Joining a tramping club and seeking out more experienced partners to walk with can accelerate your learning curve as well as enhance your safety. You might even make some new friends along the way!
- Mental Preparedness
Dealing with anxiety and PTSD has been a significant part of my journey. I've turned my tendency to overthink into a tool for detailed planning, meaning I’m usually the most prepared person out there!
On Te Araroa I learned that the best way to fight my fear is to face it head-on and keep going.
This remains the most valuable lesson that solo tramping has taught me. Yeah, it’s going to be scary. I might even hate it while I'm out there (and I often do!). But when I get home, I feel like superwoman and I'm raring to go for the next adventure.
Feeling empowered
Tramping solo as a woman was daunting at first, but with the right preparation, knowledge and mindset, I've found it an incredibly empowering experience.
NZ Mountain Safety Council has extensive free resources right here on this site to help ensure you're well-equipped and informed for safe and enjoyable tramping adventures.
- Head to Plan My Walk or download the app to start planning your solo adventure.
- Upskill by finding the right training course for you.
Imagery supplied by Michelle Green