Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
can count on paying around $15 a day for a two-person tent, sleeping bag, backpack and
jacket, and $5 to $10 for a stove. Overseas travellers who want to tramp more than one track
should plan on bringing all their own gear, or at least the major items such as boots, back-
pack, sleeping bag and stove. If a tent is needed for an easy tramp, such as the Abel Tasman
Coast Track, hire one or you could get away with purchasing an inexpensive one for under
$50.
Food
Having enough of the right food is a tramping essential and can enhance your trip substan-
tially. A hearty and tasty meal at the end of the day or a square of chocolate or a delicious
snack on the track helps keep energy levels and morale high.
Food should be lightweight and nutritious. A good overall ratio is 1:1:4 for proteins
(meats, cheese, eggs, milk powder, nuts), fats (cheese, chocolates, cured meats) and carbo-
hydrates (sugar, bread, rice, pasta, sweets, dried fruit). If it's a short tramp of only two or
three days you can take fresh foods like steak and even a bottle of booze (decanted into
plastic, of course), but for longer trips, save weight and space by taking more dehydrated
foods and ready-made meals such as those produced by Back Country Cuisine
Plan what to take well ahead of your departure and always include spares for that un-
scheduled extra day on the track due to bad weather or an emergency.
Water
Tap water is clean and safe to drink in NZ. Water in lakes, rivers and streams will look clean
and may be OK, but since the diarrhoea-causing
Giardia lamblia
parasite has been found in
some waterways, water from any of these sources may need treating before drinking. The
protozoan
cryptosporidium
(crypto) has also been found in some feral animals and livestock
(mainly possums and cows). DOC can advise on the occurrence of giardia and crypto in na-
tional parks and forests, and along tracks it administers. Most huts are equipped with a rain-
water tank that provides water safe for drinking without being treated.
If you are unsure about water quality treat it before drinking it. Boiling is the simplest
method; around three minutes should do it, although at high altitude water boils at a lower
temperature, so boil it for a little longer just in case.
