What to take on a GREAT WALK

It is essential to have suitable equipment, clothing and food for a safe and enjoyable Great Walks experience.

Great Walks season guide only Personal equipment Clothing Backpack (40–60 litre size for multi-day hiking) For multi-day hiking you will need at least one set of clothes to hike in and another dry set to change into at night. Waterproof/plastic pack liner Sleeping bag (3–4 season) Hikin g boots or firm footwear (should be comfortable and well broken in) F irst aid kit (including insect repellent, sunscreen, blister kit, personal medication e.g. antihistamine for allergy to Socks (wool or polypropylene) wasp stings) Shorts (quick dry material) Survival kit (survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food) Shirt (wool or polypropylene) S afety equipment relevant to the track and time of year Under layers, top and bottom (wool or polypropylene) (e.g. map, compass, tide timetable) Mid-layers (wool or polar fleece) Drin k bottle (1-2 litre capacity) Raincoat (waterproof, windproof with hood) You need to drink regularly during the day Overtrousers (wind and water proof)

Eatin g and cooking utensils (knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, Warm hat and gloves pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel) Sunhat and sunglasses Matches or lighter in waterproof container Extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey T oiletries Do not wash or use soap in lakes or streams Food

Torch/flashlight and spare batteries You are not able to buy food on the track. Bring food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy Rubbish bag value. For example: All rubbish must be taken out with you • Breakfast: cereal/porridge/oats, firm bread, honey or other spreads Tickets and ID • Lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami, jam/jelly, fruit Portable stove and fuel* • Dinn er: instant soup, pasta or rice, dried vegetables Candles* or fruit, cheese or dehydrated (freeze-dried) meals.

Toilet paper* You will also need water, snacks, biscuits, muesli bars, tea or coffee, powdered fruit drinks and emergency food in case Optional of any delays on the track. Camera Ear plugs for communal bunkrooms

* R equired only on the following Great Walks: , Lake Waikaremoana, , and (Brown Hut and Gouland Downs Hut). These huts do not provide gas cooking facilities, lighting or toilet paper.

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Optional clothing Great Walks seasons and equipment Gaiters For safety reasons the Tongariro Northern Lightweight shoes for inside the huts Circuit, , , and Whanganui Journey do For coastal tracks and river journeys not operate as Great Walks/Easier tramping Swimwear tracks during the winter months (season dates Sandals or aqua shoes for walking in water change slightly each year).

Important note: It is not possible to dry clothes in the huts. If attempting these tracks outside of the Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts are Great Walks season you will need additional not suitable. equipment. For more information see: If you are camping ... doc.govt.nz/greatwalks_winter Tent

Ground sheet Portable stove and fuel Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: Note: Camping is not permitted on the Milford Track. 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone Extra things for the Whanganui Journey 3. Be aware of the weather Life-jacket 4. Know your limits Kayak or Canadian canoe 5. Take sufficient supplies Paddle/s (include a spare)

Pl astic drums (or equivalent) for storing food, Tell someone your plans dry clothes and personal equipment Tell someone your plans and leave a date to Dry bags raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. See the A copy of the Canoe Association’s Outdoors Intentions process at: ‘Guide to the Whanganui River’ (optional) adventuresmart.org.nz These items can be hired as a package from local suppliers.

Further information and bookings Visit the Great Walks website or contact your nearest DOC Visitor Centre. Phone: 0800 NZ GREATWALKS (0800 694 732) Email: [email protected] Book online: greatwalks.co.nz

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