Tramping and Hiking Gear
for New Zealand Walks!

It is imperative that you do your homework..........and go well prepared with tramping and hiking gear not only for the moment but in case of emergencies.
You can read more here at Travel-Tips-7 -TRAVEL TIPS FOR NEW ZEALAND BUSH WALKING,HIKING AND TRAMPING

Too many tourists underestimate what they are taking on. So please go to the sites mentioned

• Read the Brochures
• Be well prepared physically
• Ensure you have suitable equipment
• Communications – Follow communications procedure by telling people where you are going, when to expect you back , and sign any Hut books etc so you can be found if there is a problem.
• ALWAYS CHECK the WEATHER

Do your New Zealand tramping and hiking safely!

Hiking Clothing and Equipment

• Good fitting well broken in shoes
• Warm thick socks – you can now get special socks with support – wool not cotton is essential
• Wet weather gear – waterproof jacket, hat or hood
• Warm preferably wool or polypropolene)Gloves
• Thermals and/or merino underwear
• Warm Jumper – wool

Hiking Equipment

• First Aid Kit
• Insect Repellant
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Toilet Paper
Small towel
• Compass
• Maps
• Cellphone – be sure batteries charged
• Torch
• Thermal blanket – this is a safety measure in case you end up having to sleep out..........these are available from camping stores and are the size of a match box so light and easy to carry yet invaluable as a blanket, flag , blanket to sit on etc
• Comfortable, well fitted Back Pack.....be sure it has support and you have got used to wearing it.
• Snacks – Scroggin, Chocolate, dehydrated meals, dried fruit, soups
• Allow for carrying plenty of water
• Gas cooker
• Matches
For longer than a day take a sleeping mat
• Eating plates and utensils

Preparations for You Physically

There are several things you can do in preparation for a long walk that will help protect you from blisters and discomfort. I highly recommend you do some preparation as 3-4 days on a walking track in pain can easily be avoided.

Apply tincture of benzoin to sensitive areas (check with your local pharmacy) or simply soak your feet in strongly brewed tea (tannic acid) to toughen the skin. Or rub pure lanoline into feet daily for a month before your tramp.

Preparing Feet for Tramping and Hiking

How to Stop Blisters - Read these links for excellent information.Be sure to come back to read the rest of the information though!The links will open in a new page

http://www.abc-of-hiking.com/hiking-health/blisters.asp

http://www.hikingdude.com/hiking-blisters.shtml

Hiking Knees

Find out how to help with problem knees. Especially on steep tracks this can be a problem. I also recommend investing in walking poles, which are invaluable to ease yourself down step steps and slopes, especially if you have knee problems.

Brochures You Should Read
Tramping and Hiking Gear and Safety Requirements

• The Department of Conservation brochure "Planning a tripin the Backcountry" is available free of charge from DOCoffices or on the website. It gives practical advice about travelling in the New Zealand bush.
• The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council also produces some excellent brochures, available free, about safety in the New Zealand bush
• "Going Bush?"
• "Survival"
• "Avalanches"
• Visit their website – www.mountainsafety.org.nz

ALWAYS Check the Weather
http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/plan-and-prepare/weather/ -( Cut and Paste URL to your browser)

MORE NEW ZEALAND HIKING and TRAMPING INFORMATION LINKS