plan your walk

What do I need to bring?

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.

The following is a list of essential equipment that you are required to bring and carry on your walk.

Failure to comply with any instruction, including wearing the appropriate clothing for the conditions, could result in you being unable to continue and/or being removed from the activity. You are also responsible for all children in your care doing the same.

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.

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. 

 

 

To walk in

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 boots or sturdy shoes. Broken in, preferably with ankle support. Please check your boot condition prior to coming to the pretrack 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)

 

In the Lodge

A change of clothes is recommended for the lodges and for sleeping in. Remember the more that is taken, the heavier the pack is to carry. The nights may be cold so a warm change of clothing is recommended. 

  • Shirt or long sleeved top
  • Sweater/jersey
  • Lightweight trousers
  • Lightweight shoes with a sole
  • Nightwear
  • Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo and conditioner are provided)
  • Change of underwear
  • Sleepsheet (Shared room only).  This is required to be carried. We recommend you bring a light silk sleeping bag liner that takes up less room in your pack

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 having your own is more environmentally friendly.

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 

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
Equipment List 2024

Watch the video to see what we suggest you pack to walk in on track.

Play Video