Supplies

Make sure you have enough food, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario.

If you ask any New Zealand adventurer they’ll tell you what should be in your pack, here’s a simple list of things we recommend you take. Of course, this list will change depending on where you might be going, how long you’re going for and the weather forecast, but use this as a minimum guide.

• Good quality solid footwear – our tracks can be rough, so wear sturdy shoes or boots with good tread on the sole that is comfortable to wear – jandals/crocs/slides aren’t a good idea on most New Zealand tracks.
• Layer your clothing, but don’t wear cotton – wool, fleece and polypropylene fabrics are a great idea because they stay warm when wet. You should expect to get wet while in New Zealand's outdoors. Cotton and denim pull heat from your body when wet, which can lead to hypothermia, so unless you need to cool down due to extreme temperatures, leave these behind.
• A waterproof layer is essential to reduce how wet you might get.
• A windproof layer will help your body to battle wind chill, which can be a significant factor in New Zealand.
• Warm hat and gloves – even in summer, Kiwi trampers never leave home without these.

Watch how to layer clothing for the outdoors

• Take enough water to last the day - unless you know that you'll find a stream, or walk past a hut, you'll need to take enough for the trip. For most tramps, 2L per person is a good place to start.
• Bring enough food to last an extra night out or an emergency situation. Read our blog on spare meals via Backcountry Cuisine.