Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TRACK SAFETY
Thousands of people tramp across NZ without incident, but every year a few folks meet their maker in the moun-
tains. Some trails are only for the experienced, fit and well-equipped − don't attempt these if you don't fit the bill.
Ensure you are healthy and feel comfortable walking for sustained periods.
NZ's climatic changeability subjects high-altitude walks to snow and ice, even in summer: always check
weather and track conditions before setting off, and be ready for conditions to change rapidly. Consult a DOC vis-
itor centre and leave your intentions with a responsible person before starting longer walks.
Also see
www.mountainsafety.org.nz
and
www.metservice.co.nz
for weather updates.
Books
DOC publishes detailed topics on the flora and fauna, geology and history of NZ's nation-
al parks, plus leaflets (50c to $2) detailing hundreds of NZ walking tracks.
Lonely Planet's
Tramping in New Zealand
describes around 50 walks of various
lengths and degrees of difficulty. Mark Pickering and Rodney Smith's
101 Great Tramps
has suggestions for two- to six-day tramps around the country. The companion guide,
202
Great Walks: the Best Day Walks in New Zealand,
by Mark Pickering, is handy for short-
er, family-friendly excursions. New trampers should check out
Don't Forget Your Scrog-
gin
by Sarah Bennett and Lee Slater − all about being safe and happy on the track. The
Birdseye Tramping Guides
from Craig Potton Publishing have fab topographical maps,
and there are countless topics covering tramps and short urban walks around NZ − scan
the bookshops.
Maps
The topographical maps produced by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) are a safe
bet. Bookshops don't often have a good selection of these, but LINZ has map sales offices
in major cities and towns, and DOC offices often sell LINZ maps for local tracks. Outdoor
stores also stock them. The LINZ map series includes park maps (national, state and
forest), dedicated walking-track maps, and detailed 'Topo50' maps (you may need two or
three of these per track).
Online Resources
www.trampingtracks.co.nz
Descriptions, maps and photos of long and short tramps all over NZ.
