Tramping New Zealand
Hi,
I'm new here and travelling to NZ in October for a four week tramping holiday. My plan is to tour the Southland, the following areas in particular:
- Abel Tasman
- Kahurangi
- Paparoa
- Westland/Mount Cook (one glacier included)
- Fiordland (Routeburn and/or Milford track)
- Rakiura
Advice on the routes would be highly appreciated. I have expert tramping and intermediate climbing experience. (Norway, Corsica GR20, Alps) I prefer quiet tracks were freedom camping is allowed. What tracks in those areas would suit my preference best? (Including Great Walks, although I'm aware of the fact they aren't quiet and freedom camping is prohibited)
Furthermore, in Fiordland, should I choose Milford or the Routeburn track, maybe both?
Thanks in Advance,
Daan (Netherlands)
Looks like you are onto the right track Daan. You will easily fill 4 weeks with that list of places there. Freedom Camping is allowed anywhere on the DOC estate, except for within 500m of a Great Walk Track. The Great Walks are specific tracks and they are all listed on this web site (see Tracks/Great Walks on the top menu. If it isn't a Great Walk and it is on the DOC conservation estate then you can camp. And there are plenty of those. Look at the tracks on this site or at http://www.doc.govt.nz for ideas.
Just a point on the Milford and Routeburn. I would suggest both if you can, they are in the same area and are totally different experiences. I couldn't recommend one over the other. The issue might be that you need to book to do the Milford. Bookings tend to fill up well in advance. You probably want to be booking now. I see it only opens on 26 October. Before that you will probably have difficulty getting a boat to the track. See http://booking.doc.govt.nz/Menu.aspx?sg=MIL
For the Routeburn you only need to book places in the huts and this tends to be a bit more flexible at short notice, especially if there is only 1 of you.
Thanks, very helpful. What would you advice in Kahurangi and is it worth the effort to visit Rakiura? If so, what track would be best?
As for Kahurangi the Heaphy track is reconmended,the Tablelands circuit is an easyish walk to do(and is very nice),but for a harder one the Leslie-Karamea track is excellent.
Thanks, the Leslie-Karamea track might be a bit too long to fit the planning. What about the Anatoki/Waingaro Circuit? Any experiences?
If you are in the Routeburn area, also consider the Rees-Dart loop, with a side trip to Cascade Saddle (5-day).
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| Forum | Tracks, routes, and huts |
|---|---|
| Started by | DaanL |
| On | 6 April 2011 |
| Replies | 6 |
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