To tramp or not to tramp?
I've never done it before, but the Great Walks in New Zealand seem a great way to start. The DOC (Department of Conservation) maintains these walking trails as well as visitor huts. These huts make tramping seem more appealing because Great Walk huts have mattresses, cold water, hand washing, sinks, toilets and heating with fuel available. Cooking utensils are not provided.
* Cookers are provided all year on the Heaphy Track (5 of 7 huts) and the Whanganui Journey.
* Cookers are provided peak season only on the Tongariro Northern Circuit, Routeburn, Kepler and Milford Tracks.
* There are no cookers in the huts on the Lake Waikaremoana, Abel Tasman and Rakiura Tracks.
* Great Walk campsites have cold water, sinks, toilets and there may be a cooking shelter.
Here is information on the Great Walks themselves.
*Abel Tasman (less difficult) is pretty booked up before Christmas and with almost no openings after.
*Heaphy has some availablity as does Kepler (both more difficult)
*Lake W (can't book online--moderate diff)
*Milford track (moderate diff) is pretty booked as it is one of the most popular.
*Routeburn (moderate diff) is pretty open before Christmas and then with sporadic openings after
*Tongariro (more difficult) can't book online.
*Whanganui--canoe! and more difficult.
The can't book online walks have good information on the trails themselves and all seem gorgeous. But, I am a little nervous about doing something like this on my own. I've never backpacked before, I only camp a little and traveling alone always makes me nervous because I'm DEATHLY, DEATHLY afraid of being raped. I'm also wondering how to actually get to these trails? In general, I'm dealing with a transportation issue--how to get around the country safely and cheaply? A rental vehicle is possible and they have these mini-vans that have pop-up beds in them (so I could stay at camp sites). I could also do a Magic Turtle Bus style backpacking tour. I'm still looking into that.
Then again, there is so much other stuff to do in NZ, maybe spending 4 days tramping isn't the best use of my time and energy. On the other hand, being in Alaska I YEARNED to camp cause it really was so beautiful. I may have that feeling in NZ. Well, I've asked the Ardents if they want to tramp with me, which may solve the transportation and safety issues. In the meanwhile, I'll keep reading my books.
According to DOC, when tramping, remember to take:
* Plenty of food
* Warm clothes (dress in layers)
* A good quality rain coat
* A fuel stove (where required)
* Cooking and eating utensils
* Sleeping bag
* Sun screen, insect repellent
* Torch and matches
* A pack liner/
* plastic bags to keep your gear dry
* Your camera!
At all times of year, have warm and waterproof clothing, food and survival gear.
You should:
• dress in layers including a hooded raincoat, over-pants, hat and gloves, warm and fast drying tops, trousers and shorts, and thermal underwear made from wool or polypropylene. Wear sturdy boots.
• carry a map and compass, first aid and survival kits, water bottle and plenty of high-energy foods.
• hire a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), Mountain Radio, or satellite phone for backup. Mobile phones rarely work in the mountains.
• carry a tent or fly on overnight trips. Huts can fill up at any time so you can’t rely on space.
• carry a survival kit: whistle, cord, sharp knife, pencil and paper, first aid, plastic bags, survival sheet and firelighters.
Use the comprehensive gear and equipment checklist found in the NZMSC brochure Going Bush?
Learn about how best to survive in an emergency situation and about the symptoms of hypothermia. Read NZMSC’s Survival and Hypothermia brochures.
Find out about the best emergency communication equipment. Read the NZMSC Radio Communication brochure. For a list of mountain radio suppliers visit www.nzlsar.org.nz
It could be exciting, it could be scary, it could be tedious, and it may likely be exhausting. But, can I manage it? Would it be worth it to try?
* Cookers are provided all year on the Heaphy Track (5 of 7 huts) and the Whanganui Journey.
* Cookers are provided peak season only on the Tongariro Northern Circuit, Routeburn, Kepler and Milford Tracks.
* There are no cookers in the huts on the Lake Waikaremoana, Abel Tasman and Rakiura Tracks.
* Great Walk campsites have cold water, sinks, toilets and there may be a cooking shelter.
Here is information on the Great Walks themselves.
*Abel Tasman (less difficult) is pretty booked up before Christmas and with almost no openings after.
*Heaphy has some availablity as does Kepler (both more difficult)
*Lake W (can't book online--moderate diff)
*Milford track (moderate diff) is pretty booked as it is one of the most popular.
*Routeburn (moderate diff) is pretty open before Christmas and then with sporadic openings after
*Tongariro (more difficult) can't book online.
*Whanganui--canoe! and more difficult.
The can't book online walks have good information on the trails themselves and all seem gorgeous. But, I am a little nervous about doing something like this on my own. I've never backpacked before, I only camp a little and traveling alone always makes me nervous because I'm DEATHLY, DEATHLY afraid of being raped. I'm also wondering how to actually get to these trails? In general, I'm dealing with a transportation issue--how to get around the country safely and cheaply? A rental vehicle is possible and they have these mini-vans that have pop-up beds in them (so I could stay at camp sites). I could also do a Magic Turtle Bus style backpacking tour. I'm still looking into that.
Then again, there is so much other stuff to do in NZ, maybe spending 4 days tramping isn't the best use of my time and energy. On the other hand, being in Alaska I YEARNED to camp cause it really was so beautiful. I may have that feeling in NZ. Well, I've asked the Ardents if they want to tramp with me, which may solve the transportation and safety issues. In the meanwhile, I'll keep reading my books.
According to DOC, when tramping, remember to take:
* Plenty of food
* Warm clothes (dress in layers)
* A good quality rain coat
* A fuel stove (where required)
* Cooking and eating utensils
* Sleeping bag
* Sun screen, insect repellent
* Torch and matches
* A pack liner/
* plastic bags to keep your gear dry
* Your camera!
At all times of year, have warm and waterproof clothing, food and survival gear.
You should:
• dress in layers including a hooded raincoat, over-pants, hat and gloves, warm and fast drying tops, trousers and shorts, and thermal underwear made from wool or polypropylene. Wear sturdy boots.
• carry a map and compass, first aid and survival kits, water bottle and plenty of high-energy foods.
• hire a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon), Mountain Radio, or satellite phone for backup. Mobile phones rarely work in the mountains.
• carry a tent or fly on overnight trips. Huts can fill up at any time so you can’t rely on space.
• carry a survival kit: whistle, cord, sharp knife, pencil and paper, first aid, plastic bags, survival sheet and firelighters.
Use the comprehensive gear and equipment checklist found in the NZMSC brochure Going Bush?
Learn about how best to survive in an emergency situation and about the symptoms of hypothermia. Read NZMSC’s Survival and Hypothermia brochures.
Find out about the best emergency communication equipment. Read the NZMSC Radio Communication brochure. For a list of mountain radio suppliers visit www.nzlsar.org.nz
It could be exciting, it could be scary, it could be tedious, and it may likely be exhausting. But, can I manage it? Would it be worth it to try?