What should I bring?

To enjoy freedom walking a spare set of the clothes and underwear you are most comfortable wearing will ensure the hours on the track are a pleasure not a chore. Drying garments in the hut is often not possible for safety reasons so polypropylene and light wool with its fast drying qualities and ability to keep you warm even when it is wet is the most recommended material. Cotton clothing such as jeans, T-shirts and sweatshirts can be a serious liability when wet and have been responsible for a number of hypothermic incidents for hikers caught out in the cold.

Temperatures can vary during the day, with rain, sun and snow possible all on the same day at any time of the year. To ensure your clothing and sleeping bag stays dry we recommend you line your pack with a strong plastic bag before packing your gear into it.

Suggested clothing for the walks

• Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Swimming costume and towel (optional)
• Good quality walking / tramping boots
• Good quality warm wind and rain proof jacket (gortex or similar)
• Light weight shoes for around the hut
• 2 – 3 sets of fast drying clothing. One set to walk in and one set to change into at night. Layers of clothing are recommended to manage changing temperatures. It is not possible to dry clothing at the huts.
• Warm hat and gloves

Personal equipment

• Water bottle — There is limited access to water on some places on the track
• Earplugs (optional), but you will be sharing the huts other people
• Pack with large waterproof / pack liner
• Sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner
• Toilet gear — Toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, small towel, soap
• Torch and spare batteries — There is no lighting at the huts either in the living area or bunk rooms or between huts and ablution blocks
• Camera (optional)
• First aid kit — Insect repellent, plasters for blisters, personal medication (e.g. antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings)
• Rubbish bag — You must remove all your rubbish from the track
• Plastic bags for wet gear

Cooking

• Cooking utensils — Pot/pan/billy, matches or lighter
• Eating utensils — Knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup
• Small gas cooker if you want hot drinks etc during the day
• Pot scrubber, tea towel

Food

Food must be carried as it cannot be bought on the way, although some bartering may be possible especially if you have extra chocolate, gourmet cheeses or wine. Breakfast cereals, crackers, cheese and jam for lunch and instant soup/dried pasta or dehydrated meals for dinner, snacks such as biscuits, muesli bars and tea and coffee will ensure you keep up energy levels without losing your appetite. Supermarkets in Invercargill will be able to supply all your food requirements. There are also speciality outdoor stores which have a range of dehydrated meals and other food products specifically designed for multi-day walking.

Facilities at your accommodation

• While not five star, the huts you stay in have all the essentials you need for shelter and cooking with sinks, gas cookers, cold water, tables, seating benches and wood burners for heating and as well as solar lighting
• Communal bunkrooms have no pillows or linen and are built with a combination of platform and/or individual bunks with mattresses
• Ablution blocks have flush or vaulted toilets and washbasins with cold water only. Those wishing for showers or baths can enjoy the number of waterfalls or swimming holes on the track
• Department of Conservation rangers are present on the track but not at each hut