What do I need to bring?

Susan and Mitch on the Routeburn Track
A list of essential equipment and clothing you are required to bring and carry on the walk is detailed below.

It is important that you are prepared for any weather conditions whilst on the track, and if you stick to the equipment list below your pack shouldn't weigh more than 5-7 kgs.

Many items can be purchased from the Ultimate Hikes Centre in Queenstown to reduce the need for you to carry them throughout your holiday. Items that can be 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.

Hiking clothes

We suggest taking one set of clothing to walk in, the more that is taken, the more that must be carried. All of our lodges have hand washing and drying facilities so clothing can be washed and dried overnight.

Fabrics

For your safety and comfort while hiking, you must wear fabrics that are warm and quick drying such as merino wool, polypropylene, thermal, micro fleece and polar fleece. Cotton, silk and denim is not recommended for physical activity as when it gets wet, the fabric retains the moisture next to your skin which will make you cold and expose you to the risk of hypothermia. 

Walking gear list
  • Walking boots or sturdy shoes.
    Broken in, preferably with ankle support. Please check your boot condition prior to coming to the pre-track briefing. Look especially at how well your sole is attached to the boot, to see if the glue is not drying out. Please also ensure that they are clean when coming through customs in New Zealand and adhere to all biosecurity notices at the airport. We do not sell walking boots/shoes in our retail outlet.
  • Wool, polypropylene, or thermal base layer (top and bottom).
    Fundamental clothing that can be worn either as a base layer or as a single layer.
  • Fleece or merino wool jacket.
    An ideal outer layer in cold weather.
  • Waterproof raincoat
    We can provide, see below.
  • Long-sleeve wool, polypropylene, or thermal top.
    Lightweight, warm and quick drying, this is an ideal layer to be worn on top of thermal base layer.
  • T-shirt - wool, polypropylene or thermal.
    Ideal for fine weather. Avoid cotton.
  • Sunhat (with peak or brim) and wool/fleece hat. 
    Be prepared for sun and cold.
  • Warm gloves
    wool, polypropylene.
  • Shorts/walking trousers.
    Fast drying shorts, trousers or zip-off trousers (NOT JEANS or lycra/cotton leggings) 
  • Three pairs of hiking socks - merino wool or thermal.
    Main consideration is warmth and comfort.
  • Sunscreen, insect repellent
  • Water bottle or bladder (1 litre capacity)
Early starts can be cold
Warm, comfortable clothes are great for the lodges
Optional/Recommended

The optional list is still highly recommended to include - particularly walking poles which can be hired from the Ultimate Hikes Centre.  Other items such as gaiters and rainpants are personal choice items that can be useful.

  • Walking poles. We strongly advise all walkers use two walking poles, especially if you have difficulty walking up or down gradients. Leki poles are available for hire ($25 a pair) or purchase from the Ultimate Hikes Centre.
  • Waterproof over trousers. We strongly advise walkers to carry lightweight over trousers for rain and wind protection.
  • Gaiters. For extra foot protection in wet weather
  • Swim suit & lightweight towel
  • Spare laces. Just in case
  • Sealable plastic bags
  • Reusable lunchbox - we can supply, but bringing your own is more environmentally friendly.

Check out this handy video on what to pack.

Extras/useful items
  • Credit/debit card (for purchases in Te Anau and to settle bar bills at the end of your walk).
  • Foot fleece/second skin
  • Strapping tape
  • Lip balm
  • Ear plugs 
Don't forget your raincoat.
We can supply

The following items can be borrowed and collected from the Ultimate Hikes Centre at no extra charge - though you may wish to bring your own.  We have plenty in stock so there's no need to reserve them.

  • Backpack and liner (weighs approximately 2kgs empty)
  • PVC waterproof raincoat with hood, no pockets. (weighs approximately 1kg)
  • Cotton sleep sheet (weighs approximately 500gms).  Required for multi share rooms - these are supplied at the lodges and must be carried on the Greenstone section of the Grand Traverse only

Download our equipment checklist here.

Our guided walks

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