Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Book online -
https://booking.doc.govt.nz
- or at DOC visitor centres. Kids' prices are
half those listed here.
DOC publishes free brochures with detailed descriptions and instructions to find every
campsite (even GPS coordinates). Pick up copies from DOC offices before you hit the
road, or visit the website.
Guided Walks
If you're new to tramping or just want a more comfortable experience than the DIY al-
ternative, several companies can escort you through the wilds, usually staying in comfort-
able huts (showers!), with meals cooked and equipment carried for you.
On the South Island try Kaikoura, the Banks Peninsula, Milford Track, Queen Charlotte
Track, Heaphy Track or Hollyford Track. Prices for a five-day/four-night guided walk
start at around $1800, and rise towards $2200 for deluxe guided experiences.
TE ARAROA
Epic!
Te Araroa
(The Long Pathway;
www.teararoa.org.nz
) is a 3000km tramping trail from Cape Reinga in
NZ's north to Bluff in the south (or the other way around). The route links existing tracks with new sections. Built
over a decade, mostly by volunteers, it's one of the longest tramps in the world: check the website for maps and
track notes, plus blogs and videos from hardy types who have completed the end-to-end epic.
Getting To & From
Getting to and from trailheads can be problematic, except for popular trails serviced by
public and dedicated trampers' transport. Having a vehicle only helps with getting to one
end of the track (you still have to collect your car afterwards). If the track starts or ends
down a dead-end road, hitching will be difficult.
Of course, tracks accessible by public transport or shuttle bus services (eg Abel Tasman
Coast Track) are also the most crowded. An alternative is to arrange private transport,
either with a friend or by chartering a vehicle to drop you at one end then pick you up at
the other. If you intend to leave a vehicle at a trailhead, don't leave anything valuable in-
side − theft from cars in isolated areas is a significant problem.
