The best part about New Zealand is being adorned by incredible landscapes and an amazing natural beauty that can take any tourist by surprise. Tramping in local lingo is otherwise referred to as walking,trekking or hiking in other parts of the world. Tramping is a great way to witness New Zealand's striking beauty.
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 in New Zealand are several thousand kilometres long and are meticulously mapped. The Deparment of Conservation has put in a splendid effort over the years to establish a brilliant accommodation network for trampers in the form of huts and campsites which liberate the hikers from carrying along heavy sleeping tents and cooking equipment.
An affordable backcountry hut ticket system allows one access to this network. You can camp anywhere unless specifically barred from doing so through signage. Instances can be in the form of water catchments, sensitive habitats and private property.
One of the premier tramping tracks is the Great Walks. This can get crowded in peak tourist season due to hikers descending here from all parts of the world.
December and January see a spike in the tramping numbers as it is peak season. It is also vacation time for schools. This sport can be enjoyed anytime between October and March though the ideal weather is between January and March.
The winter season in NZ is between June and August. Hiking tracks at higher altitudes pose the risk of avalanches. It is best not to tramp in this period.
Good quality comfortable footwear greatly enhaces the tramping experience.
Keep your backpack light to reduce shoulder strain.
Carry wet weather gear.
Carry insect repellant as sandflies can be a problem in coastal areas.
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 weather and the season are two crucial factors that contribute to the difficulty of a hiking track. Make sure you are armed with the latest map and description of the track you are hiking. If unsure, it is ideal to consult the Department of Conservation.
It is advisable to take a seasoned tramper along as she/he could have had previous exposure to the track you are hiking, especially in terms of the weather conditions.
The New Zealand weather is prone to change at short notice. Hence, make sure you contact the nearest Department of Conservation office to verify the latest weather and track conditions before starting your hike. If poor weather persists, it is best you cancel the hike.
Carry enough water in your backpack and drink regularly.
High energy food is ideal in case delays extend your hike period.
Ensure you carry clothing to protect from the cold, wind and the rain. Synthetic clothing dries quicker than cotton and wool.
Unexpected conditions can force you to camp overnight in the event of which it is wise to carry a survival bag or tent fly. You can buy survival bags from any camping store or any Department of Conservation field centre.
Transport is essential to travel around the various tramping tracks in both the North and South Island of New Zealand. A Jucy New Zealand car hire or a Jucy New Zealand campervan rental can take care of your transportaion needs leaving you and your family/friends to enjoy the unique NZ tramping experience.
Courtesy: Tim Alpe
CEO Jucy Rentals
http://www.jucy.co.nz
Email: tim-alpe@jucy.co.nz
For Jucy adventure activity in our New Zealand car rental or campervan
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