What to pack

(Lists on what to bring are available for download on this page)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS – For comfort and safety all clients MUST carry the equipment below. Guides may refuse inadequately equipped clients.

  • Jacket/Coat – wind and waterproof with hood
  • Boots – sturdy, good fit, protected with dressing/polish
  • Treking pants/trousers
  • Tops/ shirts – quick drying sports or hiking tops are best.
    Avoid cotton as although cool in the summer, it can be cold when wet or sweaty
  • Thermals – long sleeved top and long johns (quick drying)
    The kiwi way is to wear them under shorts and they can double up as sleep wear/pajamas
  • Socks – 2-3 pairs
    Good pair of walking socks and a warm pair to wear in the evening round camp
  • Underwear
  • Warm hat, beanie or balaclava
    Even in summer the weather can turn cooler in the evenings
  • Warm gloves or mittens
  • Mid layer pullovers: fleece tops or polartec type are ideal (light and quick drying)
    Cotton hoodies are not as warm and heavy when wet
  • Shorts
  • Pack – with a waterproof liner such as the yellow “NZ Mountain Safety Council” pack liner
  • Pack should be light, strong, comfortable, 60-90 litres for overnight trips where you are carrying your own gear and able to carry up to one quarter of your weight.
  • Sleeping bag – good quality down or synthetic fibre
  • Sleeping Mat – closed cell foam, or a self-inflating airbed
  • Torch – small with spare bulb & batteries
  • Drink Bottle
    We can normally fill up along the way in streams so 1 litre is normally sufficient
  • Toiletries/wash kit, toilet roll and any personal medication if required
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen, lip balm and sunhat

Optional suggestions to pack

  • Gaiters or Puttees – to keep out water and gravel
  • Over trousers – waterproof and windproof, essential if you get cold quickly
    Comfortable lightweight shoes to wear round camp in the evenings
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • Earplugs for light sleepers
  • Watch/ alarm clock
  • Travel wipes/ tissues
  • Swimwear
    The rivers/lakes are great to cool off in although spare underwear is often substituted
  • Blister plasters/band-aid or tape
    Although we do carry a first aid kit too
  • Camera, spare batteries and spare memory card

*Aspects to consider when buying clothing: weight, wicking/breathing ability, drying time, warmth and fit. Layering two light layers of clothing are warmer and more versatile than one heavy one.

Rent or hire gear

We can also supply a range of gear from walking poles and backpacks to waterproofs and boots; just ask us for more info when making an enquiry.

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