For general visitor information such as language, driving, and time differences, you can visit the following websites: NewZealand.com Key Facts and FourCorners.co.nz New Zealand Facts.
The information provided below is specific to tramping (hiking).
Climate
New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere, with summer running from December to February and winter from June to August. The northern part of the North Island is the warmest, while the southern part of the South Island is the coolest. Winter temperatures usually range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures are between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. In the mountains, rain and snow can occur year-round, and weather conditions can change unpredictably. It is crucial to bring rain gear and layers of thermal clothing that can be added or removed as needed. Even in mid-summer, the mountains can become very hot. Autumn and spring are typically the most comfortable seasons for tramping.
Animals
New Zealand is historically a land of birds, as there were no native land mammals except for a few bats. As a result, many bird species became flightless, creating a unique avian ecosystem. Unfortunately, the introduction of predators like cats, dogs, stoats, and rats has severely impacted bird populations, leading to the extinction of several species. Fortunately, New Zealand has few dangerous animals.
Geography
New Zealand consists of three main islands: the North Island, the South Island, and Stewart Island/Rakiura. The total land area is comparable to the size of the UK or Japan, but the population is just shy of 5 million.
North Island
Most of New Zealand’s population resides in the northern part of the North Island, especially around Auckland. The capital, Wellington, is located at the southern end of the North Island. The island is largely agricultural, with a central volcanic plateau featuring Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe (a cone of Tongariro). Lake Taupo, a massive volcanic caldera, is at the island’s centre and last erupted in 182 AD. Mount Taranaki (Egmont) is another notable volcano in the southwest.
South Island
The South Island is dominated by the Southern Alps, a mountain range stretching much of its length. This includes New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook (3,754 metres). Key cities include Christchurch on the east coast and Dunedin further south. Queenstown, an inland town, is famous for outdoor adventure.
The South Island offers diverse landscapes for trampers, from the wet, rainforest-like West Coast to the drier beech forests of the east. The southwest features glacier-carved valleys and is rugged and difficult to access. Many popular tramping routes, such as the Routeburn, Milford, and Kepler Tracks, are found in this region. The northern part of the island offers palm beaches, karst formations, and ancient grasslands. There are three main passes over the Southern Alps: Haast Pass, Arthur’s Pass, and Lewis Pass, all of which provide access to various tramping tracks.
Public Land
New Zealand has 14 national parks, each showcasing unique landscapes. Tongariro, the first national park, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Area. The southwest South Island contains several national parks, including Fiordland, Mount Aspiring, Westland, and Aoraki/Mount Cook, which together form another World Heritage Area. Access to these parks is free and unregulated, but certain activities like off-road vehicles and unlicensed commercial ventures are prohibited.
There are also reserves, grassland parks, and forest parks, which may allow for activities such as horse trekking and mountain biking. Most public land is freely accessible, meaning there are no fees for tramping unless you use accommodation facilities.
DOC
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages New Zealand’s public lands. DOC visitor centres, found in towns and national parks, offer advice on tracks, weather conditions, and safety. Completing an intentions form at a DOC visitor centre before heading out on a tramp is highly recommended.
New Zealand’s backcountry hut system, administered by DOC, provides basic accommodation. Most huts operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and users should be prepared to share. Hut fees can be paid in advance via hut tickets or an annual pass, but Great Walk huts require a specific pass that must be purchased in advance.
Safety
Rivers
Rivers in New Zealand can rise rapidly after rain and become impassable but generally subside quickly as well. When crossing, form a human chain with the strongest person upstream. Move diagonally downstream with the current, and if the water is too deep or the current too strong, retreat. River crossings have been responsible for many deaths historically, so caution is essential.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a serious risk when tramping, especially if you are wet or exhausted. Symptoms include confusion and sluggishness, and the victim may not even complain of being cold. If hypothermia is suspected, stop and address the issue before continuing. Keep the affected person dry, warm, and fed. In severe cases, body heat from another person can help, and it may be necessary to camp in place.
Getting Lost
If you get separated from your group, stop moving. Search and rescue teams use systematic grid searches, so staying in one place increases your chances of being found. Always fill out an intentions form before setting out and leave notes in hut books, even if you do not stay in the hut. Remember to cancel your intentions form upon returning.
Wildlife
There are no dangerous animals such as bears or snakes. The only poisonous spider, the katipo, is extremely rare and confined to sand dunes. Seals and sea lions can be aggressive if approached too closely, so keep a distance of at least 10 metres. Falcons may dive at you if you get near their nests, so be cautious.
One common nuisance is the sandfly, a small biting insect that is particularly active on the West Coast of the South Island. Insect repellent is essential in affected areas. While mosquitoes are present, they are not as prevalent and do not carry diseases.
Water
Giardia has been found in some New Zealand rivers, but infections are rare. Water from side streams draining forested hillsides is generally safe to drink, though dehydration is a more common concern than water-borne illness. Thermal pools carry a small risk of amoebic meningitis, so avoid submerging your head in these waters.
Getting Prepared
Outdoor stores in larger towns and cities offer gear like packs, tents, sleeping bags, and cookers. For navigation, 1:50,000 topographic maps from Land Information New Zealand or recreational maps from TerraLink are recommended. Basic equipment for an overnight summer tramp includes a tramping backpack, sleeping bag, food and cooking supplies, map, raincoat, and appropriate clothing layers. Items such as compasses and ice axes are needed for more challenging trips.
Food
Food planning becomes more important for longer trips. Choose lightweight, quick-cooking options like dehydrated meals, rice, pasta, or noodles. Bagels, crackers, and hard cheeses are good for lunches, while fresh or dried fruits make for excellent snacks. Chocolate, nuts, and trail mix (known as “scroggin” in New Zealand) are also popular energy-boosting options.
Finally…
New Zealand’s landscape is rugged, and weather conditions can change rapidly. Always bring a map, extra clothing, and rain gear. Be flexible with your plans, as tracks and river crossings can become hazardous quickly. Preparation and caution are key to enjoying New Zealand’s great outdoors safely.