Most tramping in New Zealand is over "Conservation Land." This is public land administered by the Department of Conservation, and includes National Parks, Forest Parks and other reserves. Other Conservation Land may have no reserve status. Access to Conservation Land (with the exception of a few special wildlife sanctuaries) and walking tracks requires neither permission nor payment. When looking at other New Zealand tramping Web sites, bear in mind that many of them are only interested in selling you expensive guided walks. You do not have to take guided walks.
The Department of Conservation is responsible for maintaining huts, campsites, tracks, bridges and other facilities on the Conservation Land. All these facilities are available for public use, although use of some huts and campsites incurs moderate charges. Camping is allowed anywhere unless specifically restricted, for example, camping is only allowed at certain points on the Great Walks, and might not be allowed in city water catchment areas, or sensitive habitats.
New Zealand has an extensive and unparalleled public backcountry hut network. Huts are unlocked and open to all visitors. Payment for most huts is by a hut ticket honesty system. In general, you cannot book hut space.
The Great Walks are a series of popular and high quality tracks over public lands. Camping is restricted, with hut and campsite use paid for with special Great Walks passes. On the busier Great Walks, you book each night's accommodation in a hut or campsite. Other Great Walks simply require the purchase of a pass for a chosen number of nights accommodation, and you may stay at any hut or campsite as you choose.
- Tramping is a potentially dangerous pursuit. Tracks vary in difficulty according to the season and the weather. When you embark on a tramp you should carry a large scale topographical map and a recent description of the track or route. Both these sources of information are often inaccurate and date quickly; neither are to be trusted fully.
- Many aspects of tramping can only be learnt through experience. There should always be a member of your party who is familiar with conditions similar to those you are anticipating.
- Ascertain current track and weather conditions at the field centre of the Department of Conservation nearest the track and call it off if the weather looks bad. Weather in New Zealand can change rapidly, so watch the weather as you walk. If you lack experience tramping, you should begin with short, easy, summer tramps, avoiding mountainous regions, and take an experienced person with you.
- Carry water if there is none available while you are walking, and drink regularly. Take spare food. You may be in longer than you expect. Take high energy food that is on hand while you are walking. This helps keep you warm.
- Take layers of warm clothing as well as windproof and waterproof clothing. If you stop walking, put on extra clothing.
- Take survival bags or a tent fly for emergency shelter.
- Fill out an intentions card at the nearest Department of Conservation Field Centre or a visitor centre.
