The "Great Walks" are a set of popular tramping tracks selected from throughout New Zealand. The tracks are maintained to a high standard, making it easier for visitors to explore some of the most scenic parts of New Zealand's back country. Huts are conveniently located, comfortable, well-equipped, and high capacity. These tracks are very popular with overseas visitors, partly due to their heavy promotion by the Department of Conservation and tourism operators. This popularity means there is no escaping the crowds on most of the Great Walks: if you are looking for solitude, look elsewhere. Otherwise, bring a sociable attitude, a deck of cards, and ear plugs. It may be wise to pack a tent as camping areas are commonly situated by huts to accommodate overflow. Guided walks are available through private operators along many of the walks.

Strictly speaking, there is no charge nor any permit required for access to the Great Walks. Charges and restrictions apply, rather, to overnight accommodation, whether in huts or tents. Requirements vary with season. The most popular tracks require booking during the peak season, or year-round for lowland tracks. This booking guarantees you hut or campsite space. Other tracks merely require the purchase of a Great Walks Pass. This pass permits you a certain number of nights in huts or campsites on a specific track. The pass does not guarantee you space although hut and campsite users are expected to share. During off seasons, some tracks revert to regular backcountry hut tickets or annual hut passes. All passes should be purchased from a DOC information centre before setting out.

Huts on some tracks are serviced with wardens, flush toilets, heating, gas for cooking, and other comforts during Peak Seasons. During the Off Season, facilities may be minimal -- significantly, there may be no fuel for heating the hut.

Note that many alpine tracks are impassable in winter due to snow and avalanche risks. Although the tracks cannot be traversed end-to-end, there may still be worthwhile tramping experiences. For example, a winter walk into a hut on the Routeburn Track provides alpine scenery that dramatically different from the summer experience.

Following is a brief comparison of the Great Walks:

Dates above are deliberately approximate. Check the Department of Conservation web site for details and to book online:

• DOC Great Walks

Facilities

Huts on Great Walks are fitted with bunks or platforms with mattresses, drinking water, toilet, heating facilities and fuel. Cooking facilities may be available, although these may be in heavy demand. Wardens may be present in summer. Cooking utensils and other bedding are not provided. Wardens do not sell food or other products: trampers must be fully prepared.

Designated campsites provide water, sinks and toilets, and may have cooking shelters. They do not have cooking facilities. Unlike other tracks, there are charges for camping. With the exception of these campsites, camping is prohibited within 500m of any Great Walk track at any time of the year. For the more adventurous, there are still opportunities for free camping on some Great Walks. For example, on the Routeburn Track you can easily walk up the grassy flats of the Route Burn North Branch for secluded free camping.

Shelters on the Great Walks are provided for emergencies or for sitting out inclement weather, for lunch breaks, and as support for camping areas. Overnight use is generally prohibited.