What To Bring
Follow our list and you'll be ready for anything.
The following is a list of essential equipment that you are required to bring on your walk. Many items can be purchased at reasonable prices from the Ultimate Hikes Centre in Queenstown to reduce the need for you to carry them throughout your holiday.
Items supplied free of charge by Ultimate Hikes can be collected at the pre-track briefing. There are plenty of backpacks for use so they do not need to be reserved. You can provide your own if preferred.
It is important that you are prepared for any weather conditions whilst on the track.
|
Walking Equipment |
|
| We can supply | You will need to supply |
| 40 ltr Backpack (weighs approx. 2 kg) | Walking Boot or Sturdy Shoes |
| PVC Waterproof Raincoat with hood (weighs approx. 500gms) |
Merino Wool or Polypropylene Thermal Underwear |
| Towel (weighs approx. 500gms) | Polar Fleece or Merino Wool Jacket |
| Micro Fleece or Merino Wool long-sleeved top | |
| T-shirt | |
| Sunhat, Warm Hat & Gloves | |
| Short/ Walking Trousers | |
| Merino Wool or Thermal Socks | |
| Sunscreen, Insect Repellant, Water Bottle & Camera | |
| We generally advise you only take one set of clothing to walk in. The more that is taken, the more that must be carried. All lodges on the Routeburn Track have hand washing and drying facilities so clothing can be washed and dried overnight. There are currently no drying facilities on the Greenstone Track. | |
|
Evening Equipment |
|
| We can supply | You will need to supply |
| Cotton Sleep Sheet (weighs approx. 500gms) |
Lightweight shirt or sweater |
| Lightweight trousers or track pants | |
| Lightweight shoes or sandals | |
| Nightwear | |
| Personal toiletries | |
| A change of clothes is required for the lodges and for sleeping but remember that the more that is taken, the heavier the pack is to carry. The lodges are very warm and therefore you only require lightweight clothing. | |
|
Optional items |
|
| Walking Poles
|
We strongly advise all walkers use walking poles, especially if you have difficulty walking up or down grandients. |
| Foot Fleece | Advised to prevent blisters |
| Gaiters | For extra foot protection during wet weather |
| Swim suit | For the brave! |
| Spare Laces | Just in case |
| Most of these items are available for purchase or hire from the Ultimate Hikes Centre. | |
We do not recommend you walk in cotton garments, jeans or silk
thermals: perspiration means you are likely to feel damp and cold
even inside the best raincoat.
We suggest you put all your clothing in plastic bags inside your
pack liner for added rain protection. Keep your pack as light as
possible while still taking the essentials. Remember hand
laundry/drying facilities are available in the lodges and a lighter
pack will enhance your experience!
Equipment Checklist
Tick off the checklist as you pack to ensure you don't forget anything
