Mother Nature has created Aotearoa on an exquisite tapestry of mind blowing landscapes and pristine wilderness that can leave any human 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 tramping 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)
There are several thousands of kilometres of walking tracks that are well mapped. To aid trampers, Dept of Conservation (DOC) has set up a fantastic network of huts and campsites that helps avoid lugging tents and sometimes cooking equipment. Most huts and camping sites are moderately priced and operate through a backcountry hut ticket system. Camping is allowed anywhere except where specifically mentioned. These can be sensitive habitats, private land or water catchment areas. One of the most popular tramping tracks is The Great Walks. This can get crowded in peak season as people from all over the world converge on these tracks.
The peak season for walking is during the school summer holidays in December and January. Tracks tend to get crowded. Most tracks can be walked from October to April though the best weather is from January to March. Winter lasts from June to August and it is best to avoid tramping during this period. High altitude tracks in winter pose additional risk of avalanches. 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.
Points to note:
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.nztim-alpe@jucy.co.nz For Jucy adventure activity in our New Zealand car rental or campervanTim 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.
By Tim Alpe
Published: 1/25/2008
Tags: Adventure, Tramping, Zealand
