Independent Walks What to Bring

For those doing Self-Guided Hikes in New Zealand, here is our simple guide.

Weather is unpredictable. Extreme conditions can develop at any time. Be prepared for cold and wet weather and have warm waterproof equipment. It makes it even nicer when it is warm and sunny.

Below is a suggested list of what you should carry to make your trip more comfortable.
To ensure your clothing and sleeping bag stays dry, we recommend you line your pack with a strong plastic bag before packing your gear into it.

Clothing

• Good quality walking / tramping boots 
• Good quality warm wind and rain proof jacket (gortex or similar) 
• 2 – 3 sets of fast drying clothing. One set to walk in and one set to change into at night. Layers of clothing are recommended to manage changing temperatures. It is not possible to dry clothing at the huts.
• Light weight shoes for around the hut 
• Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Warm hat and gloves
• Swimming costume and towel (optional)

General

• Pack with large waterproof / pack liner 
• Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner
• Torch and spare batteries – there is no lighting at the huts either in the living area or bunkrooms or between huts and ablution blocks.
• Water bottle – there is limited access to water on some places on the track
• Toilet gear: toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, small towel, soap 
• Earplugs (optional – but you will be sharing the huts other people)
• Camera (optional) 
• First aid kit: insect repellent, plasters for blisters, personal medication (e.g. antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings)
• Plastic bags for wet gear 
• Rubbish bag – you must remove all your rubbish from the track

Cooking

• Cooking utensils: pot/pan/billy, matches or lighter
• Eating utensils: knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup
• Gas cooker – these are not supplied in the huts.
• Pot scrubber, tea towel

Food should be lightweight, fast to cook and high in energy value, e.g.

• Breakfast: cereal, bread, spreads
• Lunch: cracker biscuits, cheese, salami
• Dinner: instant soup, pasta/rice, dried vegetables/fruit, cheese or dehydrated meals. 
• Remember a couple treats to enjoy along the way or in the evening and an extra days food in case weather causes delays on the track. 
• Food is not available for purchase at the huts.

Facilities at your accommodation:

• Living areas in huts have cooking benches, sinks, cold water, tables, seating benches, and wood burners for heating.
• Bunkrooms are communal with a combination of platform and/or individual bunks with mattresses. No pillows or linen is supplied. 
• Ablution blocks have pit or vaulted toilets and wash basins with cold water only. Sorry, no showers!
• DOC rangers are present on the track but not at each hut.