The best part about NZ is being adorned by incredible landscapes and anamazing natural beauty that can take any tourist by surprise. Tramping in local lingo is otherwise referred to as walking,trekking or hiking in other parts of the world. Tramping is a great way to witness New Zealand's striking beauty.

New Zealand's diverse terrain will have you spellbound ranging from greenbelt city areas to long beaches, coastal cliffs, grasslands, rainforests, farmlands, mountains and volcanic regions. It is any hiker's delight to be confronted by such a wide assortment of such inviting landscapes.

About 30% of walking land is conservation land with access to the general public, protected under the umbrella of Department of Conservation (DOC). Most of this land is made up of forest parks, natural parks and other reserves.

Tracks are graded depending on their topography and level of difficulty. They can be classified as follows:

Path: Easy and well formed; Wheel chair access is allowed. Track is constructed to shoe standard (hiking boots not required). It is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels

Walking track: Easy and well formed; The track is constructed to shoe standard. It is suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels.

Tramping track: It requires skill and experience. It is constructed to boot standard (hiking boots required). It is suitable for people of average physical fitness.

Route: It requires a high degree of skill, experience and route-finding ability. It is suitable for experienced and well equipped walkers.

(Track Definition Source:Lonely Planet - New Zealand)

Tramping tracks are well mapped and extend over several thousand kilometres. Trampers are extremely well catered for by the DOC which has over the years established a superb network of huts and campsites that eliminates the problems of carting tents and cooking appliances.

This accommodation network is accessed through a backcountry hut ticket system. You are allowed to camp in any location unless there is a specific sign forbidding it. Examples include private land, water catchments and sensitive habitats.

The Great Walks is a renowned tramping track. Tourists from world over converge here during peak tourist season and crowding results.

The months of December and January are peak tramping season and it coincides with the school holidays. It is high traffic season. Tramping can be done from

October to March but the best weather for this activity is January to March.

Tramping is best avoided between June and August. This is peak winter season. Tracks situated on high altitude are prone to avalanche risks.

With comfortable footwear, you will enjoy the sport of tramping.

Keep your backpack light to reduce shoulder strain.

Take wet weather gear on the trip.

The presence of sandflies in coastal regions warrants that insect repellant is a vital part of your backpack.

Before you commence your walk, check whether the huts or camping sites you are staying in has cooking gear. If it is a no, do carry a stove available from camping shops.

For responsible tramping, it is important to keep in mind key factors such as wildlife conservation, cooking in public places, rubbish and human waste disposal.

• Points to note:
  


• The weather and the season are two crucial factors that contribute to the difficulty of a hiking track. Make sure you are armed with the latest map and description of the track you are hiking. If unsure, it is ideal to consult the Department of Conservation.


• It is advisable to take a seasoned tramper along as she/he could have had previous exposure to the track you are hiking, especially in terms of the weather conditions.
  
• The New Zealand weather is prone to change at short notice. Hence, make sure you contact the nearest Departme
  
  
  Tim Alpe
  CEO Ezy Rentals
  http://www.ezy.co.nz
  Email: tim-alpe@ezy.co.nz