Hiking in New Zealand
An extensive network of trails enables hiking in New Zealand and opens up the diverse and still pristine nature of this country . The well-developed infrastructure of numerous overnight accommodations and various transport systems makes the New Zealand hinterland accessible. The vast majority of the hiking trails lead through nature reserves managed by the Department of Conservation (DoC) .
development
Many of the paths that are now developed as hiking trails are ancient connections of the Māori . Gold prospectors, hunters, lumberjacks, gumdiggers and settlers later laid out further routes before the road network reached its current state of development. On these old and newly established roads ( tracks ) migrate in increasing numbers, both local and foreign tourists.
On the North , South and Stewart Islands , as well as on some smaller islands , many areas are designated as special protected areas; There are currently 14 national parks , 20 forest reserves , 32 marine reserves with their coasts and many regional parks . You can hike in the Alps of the South Island and in all of the 40 or so mountain ranges . There are hundreds of different hiking trails known and described in all landscapes and in almost all regions of New Zealand.
Many hikes are also possible by horse, bike or canoe. The comparatively contemplative hiking is contrasted with other, occasionally quite unusual outdoor activities such as jet boating , canyoning , abseiling , bungee jumping and parachuting .
Conceptual
Hiking ( walking , more precisely: hiking ) can take from a few minutes ( short walk ) to many days ( long distance walk ). Multi -day walking is also known as trekking , tramping , bush walking or wilderness backpacking .
The term backcountry cannot be adequately translated as hinterland . Backcountry is defined more by the conditions than by geographical relation; it usually means rough to desolate natural terrain, in which there is a lack of most civilizing facilities. It is not to be confused or equated with the endless expanses of the Australian outbacks .
Outdoor or outdoors refers to everything in nature outside of buildings, meaning mostly leisure activities at a considerable distance from civilization.
All naturally overgrown landscape, from the steppe to the rainforest, is called bush .
Right of way
Depending on the ownership, a distinction can be made between
- Public property ( crown land ), not only state property, but also communal facilities ( domain ) may be freely entered and used, provided there are no local restrictions. Are a special form
- projected roads ( paper roads ) that have been legally defined, but do not have to exist in nature or be visible; they can always be used, even if they run across private property.
- Individual ownership ( private land ), access here may be restricted and / or subject to a charge. A special form is
Most of the hiking trails run over public areas. Apart from a few very special nature protection zones and habitat protection areas , access to all parks is free and free. In some areas, private entrepreneurs offer guided walks with additional services such as transport, food, accommodation and supervision, so that even completely inexperienced visitors can venture into nature. For independent walkers, on the other hand, only the overnight stays in the huts are chargeable. In general, Great Walks could also be hiked in this way, provided that there is no overnight stay: some athletes run the Kepler Track , which is designed for three to four comfortable days, within one day.
Huts
Numerous hikers' huts are maintained by various organizations. The DoC in particular offers between 900 and 1000 backcountry huts as well as many shelters, backcountry shelters , and with numerous backcountry campsites places for very easy camping.
With a few explicitly stated exceptions, registration for the overnight stays is not required. If too many hikers come sometimes, they have to come to terms with the narrowness. In contrast to the huts of the Great Walks, most other huts are not always looked after by hut keepers. There is no management of the kind offered in many mountain huts in the European Alps. The DoC regularly publishes information about the condition and equipment of the huts.
fees
Many of these facilities were available free of charge until the early 1990s, then fees were charged and have increased several times since then. The fees are paid with so-called tickets , alternatively it is possible to purchase a cheaper annual pass ( Annual Hut Pass , AHP) or half-year pass , which is however invalid in more and more huts.
Cabins are divided into five categories and there are four age categories for users. The few of the simplest huts, shelters and bivouacs are free of charge, several tickets are required for overnight stays in huts of the better category. Special fee systems apply to the Great Walks .
The private huts of other operators can also be booked, for example
- FMC Federated Mountain Club
- NZAC New Zealand Alpine Club
- New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association
A lower fee is due for the use of tents brought along close to the huts. Camping at a distance from the huts remains free of charge because the infrastructure is not used.
orientation
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| Waymarking | Oversized triangle |
In recent years, the route markings have largely been standardized, orange plastic triangles 
replace the previously used markings with white-red metal strips and now also indicate the direction.
If it is not possible to attach the signposts on a longer stretch of the route, such as on flooded beach passages , river crossings , landslide areas or other areas without vegetation, oversized triangles that are visible from afar are used.
For many hiking trails, short descriptions ( track pamphlets ) are available from the DoC , which contain all the essentials as well as sketches for the route on a leaflet. In addition to the hiking trails that are considered to be more important, there is also extensive map material ( trackmaps , parkmaps , infomaps ).
More general overviews of areas and access routes are available from tourism service providers and the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA), for example the leisure maps of some landscapes.
Difficulty levels
The DoC divides the paths into six grades:
- Easy Path: Easy hiking for all abilities (maximum one hour)
- Short hike: easy hike for most fitness levels (maximum one hour)
- Hiking trail: easy hiking, a few minutes to a day
- Great Walk / easy tramping track: Comfortable route for day or multi-day hikes
- Tramping track: demanding multi-day hike with full luggage and provisions
- Route: Particularly challenging tramping tracks
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| Boardwalk (Milford Track) | Rope Bridge (Heaphy Track) |
One of the constant tasks of the DoC is to expand new paths and maintain existing ones. In the past few decades, more and more bridges, often simple rope bridges ( swing bridges or walk wires ), have made numerous river crossings easier and make many paths passable even in bad weather. Used especially in environmentally sensitive areas boards webs ( boardwalks ) not only protecting the plants and preventing erosion, they also prevent the formation of sludge digits before and make hiking more comfortable. Since the wooden surface can become very slippery when wet, a nailed-on wire mesh protects against slipping.
Path system
Nine hiking trails are considered great walks : these are very popular, occasionally excessively frequented multi-day hikes for which special regulations apply.
- Abel Tasman Coast Track in Abel Tasman National Park (South Island)
- Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park (South Island)
- Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park (South Island)
- Lake Waikaremoana Track in Te Urewera National Park (North Island)
- Milford Track in Fiordland National Park (South Island)
- Rakiura Track in Rakiura National Park (Stewart Island)
- Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park (South Island)
- Tongariro Northern Circuit in Tongariro National Park (North Island)
- Whanganui Journey in Whanganui National Park (North Island)
safety
DoC, New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (NZMSC) and other organizations are committed to protecting nature. Events, guided tours, training courses and information leaflets not only make outdoor activities popular; It also points out how to deal responsibly with nature and how possible dangers can be countered. This includes information about adequate preparation and equipment, safety rules and behavior in emergency situations ( survival situation ).
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| Mountain radio | PLB |
Emergency call devices, emergency beacons (PLB - personal locator beacon ) or devices for mountain radio that transmit in the 90 m band in the shortwave range can be borrowed for a small fee . Especially in the New Zealand Southern Alps, many huts are equipped with stationary radio stations ( "radio" ).
Hikers are advised to sign in with all the details of their plans before each hike . The standardized intention forms are offered for this purpose , and a search is initiated if they are overdue. To understand the path of a missing person in such cases to narrow the search area, are in all cabins Cabin Books ( hat books out), in which the most important data is left behind. After returning to civilization, there is a response ( sign out ) so as not to trigger a false alarm.
The New Zealand authorities have well-equipped rescue systems that can be used immediately if necessary.
environmental Protection
For the many possible outdoor activities, the DoC has put together recommendations for considerate use. The environmental care code includes in the form of a checklist of ten points everything that you should pay attention to when staying in nature in order to keep the environment clean and intact. This concerns the protection of animals and plants, the avoidance and disposal of waste, the care with fire, the careful handling of water, the respect for the cultural heritage and the consideration for others.
With the slogan "Take nothing but pictures - leave nothing behind but footprints", everything is summarized in one central statement. Any rubbish that remains is disposed of by volunteers.
particularities
A special feature of hiking in New Zealand is the great contrasts in landscape in a small area. In addition to the well-known attractions of the fjords , thermal areas , volcanoes , geysers , deserts , glaciers , cave systems , rainforests , coasts , lakes , mountains and waterfalls, there are numerous other hiking destinations.
Although there are no dangerous large animals, snakes or poisonous insects in New Zealand, there are some dangers and difficulties that differ from European conditions. It may be climatic and geological conditions, but also to local or entrained flora and fauna. Good hiking literature explains what additional things to watch out for in New Zealand.
Risks
The exposed location in the Roaring Forties of the Tasman Sea is responsible for a lot of wind and heavy rainfall. This can make crossing unbridged streams and rivers dangerous. The combination of cold, wet and wind can very quickly lead to life-threatening hypothermia if the equipment is insufficient .
Despite the predominantly excellent marking, it seems to happen again and again that hikers get lost . Even after careful planning based on the weather forecasts, the special landscape structure carries the risk that hikers due to unexpectedly swollen rivers can not continue the way for a longer period of time - is the local term for stranded ( stranding ).
Since an intestinal parasite , Giardia Lamblia , was introduced in the 1980s, it has been necessary to take precautionary measures when removing drinking water. A separate fact sheet provides information on the symptoms and treatment of giardiasis , and shows what protects against infection: boil water, filter it or treat it chemically.
The widening of the ozone hole and the strong solar radiation in the southern hemisphere make adequate protection against ultraviolet radiation indispensable.
Correct behavior when bathing in thermal springs avoids the risk of bacterial pneumonia .
Cars in hikers' parking lots are no longer absolutely safe from criminal access everywhere and everywhere.
Depending on the region, mud, bushlawyer and sand flies are the most uncomfortable.
| landscape |
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| Mud path |
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| Wind break |
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| Boardwalk |
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| River crossing |
landscape
Muddy spots
The combination of soft ground, frequent rains and many hikers results in marshy places ( bogs ), which are deeper and wider always trampled. Some hiking trails are almost mud-free, but in the rainy west of the South Island and on Stewart Island you always have to expect it. If it doesn't rain for eight to fourteen days, a mud hole dries up , and you can usually walk over it without sinking in significantly; But such long breaks in the rain or periods of sunshine are rather rare. Experienced hikers tend to walk through the middle of the muddy stretches with gaiters instead of balancing along the edge or avoiding them. This avoids problems with plants and is considered more gentle on vegetation.
Tree fall
Trees lying across the path are often difficult to get past. Evasive maneuvers can lead hundreds of meters through the most difficult terrain with little progress. Another risk of such evasive action is to get completely lost. The same applies to paths that have been buried by landslides or washed away by washouts .
Slippery
The surfaces of boards webs ( boardwalks ) are usually secured with a wire net, but sometimes it is missing. Even wet trees and roots, smooth wet stones and loamy spots are slippery and make you lose your grip.
Modern hiking sticks are a great help, especially on smooth spots and when crossing rivers.
River crossings
Rivers can swell very quickly when it rains and become impassable. See the own leaflet " Water - the Power to Kill " and the instructions from the NZMSC on river crossing . When fording water that is not too deep, good gaiters can help keep feet dry. Floods usually recede quickly a few hours after the rain has stopped and, if in doubt, can be waited for, as deep and raging water is very dangerous - principle: If in doubt, sit it out .
plants
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| Bush Lawyer | Ongaonga |
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| Matagouri | Gorse |
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| Hook grass | Supplejack |
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| Tussock | Tutu |
The climbing plant Bush Lawyer ( Rubus cissoides , Māori: tātarāmoa ) often hangs down from other shrubs in the paths. It makes itself painful when it holds or tears the skin with its barbs.
The endemic nettle ( Urtica ferox , Māori: ongaonga ) should be avoided at all costs and any contact with insufficiently protected skin should be avoided. In the meantime, the introduced European nettle is also spreading .
The up to five centimeters long spines of the Matagouri ( Discaria toumatou ) end in a needle-fine point that can easily penetrate protective clothing. The entrained gorse gorse ( Ulex europaeus ) also has many spines that can penetrate through light clothing. Just like the blackberry bush , this gorse can overgrow huge areas as high as a man in just a few years and make them impassable with impenetrable, dense undergrowth.
The burdock- like hook grass ( Uncinia ) is being spread more and more by hikers along the tracks. Although harmless, this plant gets caught in all textiles, on the skin and on body hair. Only very smooth gaiters can protect against it and prevent you from spreading this plague more and more unintentionally.
Although the tracks are often cut free, they can quickly become overgrown by bushes and ferns. Shoots of the finger-thick, dark brown wooden liana Supplejack ( Rhipogonum scandens ) meander back and forth through the bush and can form a dense network. Getting through here is impossible and it can be very difficult to avoid.
Grasses can have sharp, cutting edge edges. Some fern species cause skin injuries due to their roughness and, due to their ability to retain water, wet shoes and clothing. Other plants that overgrown the path, the poisonous tutu ( Coriaria ruscifolia ) or grasses such as tussock , can also dump a lot of water in the hiker's shoes.
Animals
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| Sand flies | mosquito | wasp |
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| Ants | cicada | Mountain Parrot Kea |
The New Zealand sandflies called black flies are a nuisance of the first rank, as biting the females holes in the skin. They are usually numerous and often omnipresent, but rather slow and only diurnal. Sandflies are particularly numerous and aggressive on the South Island and Stewart Island, in certain weather conditions and at certain times of the day, especially in the evening. Mosquitoes, on the other hand, are mainly nocturnal. Introduced in the early 1980s, wasps can be invasive in some areas at some times . Ants can be a nuisance, cicadas can sometimes occur in large numbers seasonally and regionally and annoy hikers with noise and collisions.
The Nestor Parrot Kea ( Nestor notabilis ) of the southern Alps is known for its great curiosity, its urge to research should not be negligently left to equipment.
literature
- Sylvia, Matthias Dollmann: New Zealand . The most beautiful hikes and trekking routes. 5th edition. Bergverlag Rother , 2017, ISBN 978-3-7633-4338-6 .
- Conrad Stein, Marco Genning: New Zealand: Fiordland . The route is the goal. 3. Edition. Conrad Stein Verlag, 1997, ISBN 978-3-89392-152-2 .
- Matthias Schellhorn: Travel Guide Nature New Zealand . BLV, 2001, ISBN 978-3-405-14929-1 .
- Jim DuFresne: Tramping in New Zealand . 6th edition. Lonely Planet, 2006, ISBN 978-1-74059-788-3 (English).
- Mark Pickering, Rodney Smith: 101 Great Tramps in New Zealand . 3. Edition. Reed Publishing, 2008, ISBN 978-0-14-300990-0 (English).
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ DoC: Backcountry Huts and Campsites Information about huts, with many other links.
- ↑ DoC: Hut Fees overview of fees (English)
- ↑ Choosing a track? (PDF 977 kB) Department of Conservation, archived from the original on May 17, 2010 ; accessed on January 18, 2016 (English, original website no longer available).
- ↑ Going Bush? . (PDF 1.63 MB) In: MSC Outdoor Safety , New Zealand Mountain Safety Council . November 2011, archived from the original on February 6, 2013 ; accessed on April 25, 2018 (English, original website no longer available).
- ↑ Safety Tips . In: MSC Outdoor Safety , New Zealand Mountain Safety Council . Archived from the original on February 10, 2013 ; accessed on April 25, 2018 (English, original website no longer available).
- ^ Plan to Survive . (PDF 1.9 MB) In: MSC Outdoor Safety , New Zealand Mountain Safety Council . Archived from the original on February 6, 2013 ; accessed on April 25, 2018 (English, original website no longer available).
- ↑ a b Outdoor Communication . (PDF 3.2 MB) In: MSC Outdoor Safety , New Zealand Mountain Safety Council . October 2011, archived from the original on February 6, 2013 ; accessed on April 25, 2018 (English, original website no longer available).
- ↑ Technical information. Wellington Mountain Redio Service Inc., accessed November 1, 2015 .
- ↑ DoC: Activity care codes environmental consideration (English)
- ^ New Zealand Environmental Care Code - Check List. (PDF 435 kB) Department of Conservation , archived from the original on August 6, 2011 ; accessed on January 18, 2016 (English, original website no longer available).
- ↑ DoC: Water Care Code water protection (English)
- ^ River Safety . (PDF 1.91 MB) In: MSC Outdoor Safety , New Zealand Mountain Safety Council . Archived from the original on February 6, 2013 ; accessed on April 25, 2018 (English, original website no longer available).
- ^ Hypothermia . (PDF 403 kB) In: MSC Outdoor Safety , New Zealand Mountain Safety Council . February 2014, archived from the original on February 6, 2013 ; accessed on April 25, 2018 (English, original website no longer available).
- ↑ DoC: Planning, preparation and planning (484 kB PDF English)
- ↑ DoC: Water cleanliness , Giardia (English)