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For some reason, best known to themselves, the New Zealanders
are crazy about their outdoor pursuits, the more extreme the
better, and as a result there are more adventure activities
on offer here than anywhere else in the world. Moreover, the
Kiwis not only participate in an enormous variety of activities,
but they create them, and are responsible for such activities
as jet-boating, bungee-jumping, and most recently,
zorbing.
Despite the choice, the most popular activity is still hiking,
known as tramping to New Zealanders (also for reasons
known only to themselves!). There are walking trails all over
the country, all well maintained, and often with campsites
and huts to stay in along the way, all looked after by the
Department of Conservation (DOC) but the most popular are
known as The Great Walks. The list of Great Walks,
arranged roughly from North to South, is as follows:
Lake Waikaremoana Track (Mid-North Island)
Tongariro Northern Circuit (Mid-North Island)
Whanganui Journey - not actually a hike, but a river journey,
put into the Great Walks category for its popularity (Southern
North Island)
Heaphy Track (Nelson Area)
Abel Tasman Coastal Track (Nelson Area)
Routeburn Track (Southern South Island, Fjordlands)
Milford Track (Southern South Island, Fjordlands)
Kepler Track (Southern South Island, Fjordlands)
Rakiura Track (Stewart Island)
Milford Track
The number one Great Walk is the Milford Track, said
to the finest in the world, and is easy enough for anyone
reasonably fit to complete, with amazing views that ensure
that your efforts will be rewarded. Due to its fame it is
oversubscribed, and walkers must reserve a place in advance
in high season. You book the day that you start the track,
and must complete it in four days and three nights. This is
done to protect the track, and to enable as many people to
walk the track as is possible, but the system can be frustrating
as you are forced to press on regardless of the weather and
it can be booked up well in advance. To avoid this, it is
best to book as early as possible.
On most trails a small fee has to be paid to the DOC, to stay
in the huts or on campsites along the trail, and should be
paid at the local DOC office before departure. Fees can be
paid to wardens along the track, but are generally higher.
The Great Walks are considerably more expensive, and can be
very busy, but with all walks fees can vary with season, and
if you're prepared to take greater risks with the weather
you can save quite a bit visiting out of season. Fees are
also cheaper on less popular (usually more challenging) tracks.
The other option, if you're planning on doing a fair amount
of walking, is to buy a hut pass which lasts a whole
year, and can be used in all huts except on the great walks.
It pays for itself if you use it for eight nights or more.
Money made from these charges go towards the immaculate upkeep
of the National Parks and the walking trails.
Copland Pass & Fox Glacier
A challenge for the experienced Hiker is the Copland Pass,
a tough four day walk, crossing the South Island from the
Mount Cook National Park to the Fox Glacier
over ice and snow. This is a serious hike, and should only
be attempted in good weather by those with real mountaineering
experience, or with a qualified guide. You'll need crampons,
ice axes and alpine skills, however, if you do manage it,
there is quite a degree of prestige attached to it within
mountaineering circles. The ultimate challenge for serious
mountaineers is to climb Mount Cook, New Zealand's
highest peak, but be aware many have died trying, and for
the less experience there are some amazing views throughout
the National Park surrounding the peak. |
