New Zealand Hiking Grades and Fitness
Hiking walks, tours and safaris have been categorized to assist you in selecting a hiking trip that is correct for you. Fitness is subjective, what you may think is easy may be hard to somebody else or vice versa.
Grades Descriptions
Grade A (*)
- Overall good health required.
- No particular fitness abilities
View all Grade A Trips
Grade B (**)
- Average of 4-5 hours physical activity per day
- You need to be able to carry a small backpack of 4-5kgs (9-11 lbs)
- Trails mostly in a good state
- Altitude rises of up to 600m (2000ft) on tougher days
- No hiking experience required
- Reasonable standard of fitness needed
View all Grade B Trips
Grade C (***)
- Up to 6 hours of physical activity per day
- You need to be able to carry a backpack of 5-6kgs (11-13 lbs)
- Trails mostly in a good state
- Altitude rises of up to 600m (2000ft) on tougher days
- No hiking experience necessary
- Reasonable standard of fitness required
- NZ Uncut - some overnight tramps comprise alpine hiking, uneven terrain and carrying a backpack of 10-12kgs (22-26 lbs)
View all Grade C Trips
Grade D (****)
- Average 4-5 hours physical activity per day, up to 8-9 hours on longer days
- Backpack weights of 10-12kgs (22-26 lbs) need to be carried on some days
- Altitude gains of up to 800m (2600ft)
- Some uneven track surfaces and river crossings
- No multi-day hiking experience necessary
- Good fitness and agility required
View all Grade D Trips
Grade E (*****)
- Up to 8-9 hours physical activity each day
- Backpack weights of 12-15kgs (26-33 lbs)
- Altitude gains of 900 to 1000m (2950 to 3300ft)
- Some exposure to heights
- Hiking experience necessary.
- High level of fitness required
