Personal equipment
- Backpack – 40–60 litre size for multi-day hiking
- Waterproof or plastic pack liner
- Sleeping bag – 3–4 season
- First aid kit including blister treatment materials
- Map and compass – how to navigate using map and compass
- Head torch/flashlight and spare batteries
- Rubbish bag – all rubbish must be taken out with you
- Distress beacon – options and why you should take one
- Survival kit including survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food
- Emergency shelter
Cooking and food equipment
- Drink bottle – 1–2 litre capacity – you may need to carry more depending on resupply options
- Equipment to boil water or water treatment tablets
- Gas cooker and fuel, for example, gas canister
- Eating and cooking utensils – knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel.
- Matches or lighter in waterproof container
More about cooking in the outdoors
Toiletries
- Toiletries, including insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal medication, for example, antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings
- Toilet paper – do not wash or use soap in lakes or streams
Optional personal equipment
- Ear plugs for communal bunkrooms
- Candles
- Navigational tools such as GPS
- Walking poles
- Rain proof pack cover
- For routes where there are few toilets lightweight trowel to bury your toilet waste – how to dig a hole for toilet waste. Another option is a poo pot or bag.
If camping
- Tent
- Sleeping mat
- Ground sheet
Clothing
It’s not possible to dry clothes in huts. Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts are not suitable. It won’t keep you warm when it's wet. Expect to get wet while in New Zealand's outdoors.
- For multi-day walking you'll need at least one set of clothes to walk in and another dry set to change into at night
- Tramping/hiking boots or firm footwear – should be comfortable and well broken in with good ankle support for uneven ground
- Socks – wool or polypropylene
- Shorts – quick dry material
- Shirt – wool, polypropylene, nylon or polyester
- Under layers, top and bottom – wool, polypropylene, nylon or polyester
- Mid-layers – wool or polar fleece
- Raincoat – waterproof, windproof with hood
- Overtrousers – wind and waterproof
- Warm hat, scarf and gloves
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey
- Clothing to sleep in and wear around the hut
Optional clothing:
- Gaiters
- Lightweight shoes for inside the huts
Food
You cannot buy food on the track. Carry all the meals and snacks you will need, plus some spare, and a water bottle. We recommend food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value.
We do not provide emergency food in huts. You will need to carry emergency food supplies in case you are delayed by weather.
Store your food in a rodent-proof container or bag. This is especially important if you are camping