Facts

The weather can change quickly so always be prepared when you go tramping or on a short walk.

It’s always very important to let someone you trust know when you’re going to arrive back,and wher you are going.That way, if you’re very late they can alert the authorities. So ALWAYS sign in and out when you get to the camping location.

When you go tramping, you should always pack your own bag, because then you know best what’s in YOUR pack.

Stay warm. Nothing can ruin a camping trip faster than feeling cold and miserable, so you always need lots of spare clothes and a towel, preferably sealed in plastic bags to stop them from getting wet.

Hypothermia. Is when the body starts to shut down due to extreme cold. It can come on very gradually, which is why it’s vitally important to stay warm... you’ll also need at least 3 pairs of socks, even for a 2 day trip, because that’s that part of you that’s most likely to get wet.

You head loses about a third of your body heat, so a good warm hat is always a winner. It also keeps the sun off your head on a hot day and stops you getting heatstroke.

Never go tramping alone. Always go tramping with an experienced adult.

Even though its important to stay warm, It’s just as important not to overheat, and to stay hydrated. Keep drinking lots of water regularly while you are on your tramp. It’s also important not to carry more than you can manage, otherwise you could strain your back 

If you are going on a short walk  (a couple of hours or less)…. remember you still need to take spare clothing, water and sunblock and a good jacket. 

Always stick together when tramping or wlaking in the bush… its very easy to get lost in the bush, so you should never fall behind or go wandering off

One of the most important thing to have is good strong walking shoes, that have been broken in.there’s nothing worse than having to walk a long way in shoes that don’t fit properly and getting blisters.

When you are out enjoying your tramp ..............take only photos, leave only footprints and respect nature.

The last thing to do before you set out on your tramp is to check the long term forecast with Metphone….to see what the weather is going to be like.

So remember to :

Pack carefully with extra clothes and spare warm clothes
Take enough food for the trip
Remember your insect repellent and sunblock and hat
Pack wet weather gear even if it looks like the weather is fine
Check the weather forecast

Drink lots of water while tramping
Wear strong, comfy shoes
Rest when you get tired

Did you know

Some of the different names for tramping are :

bushwalking,bushwhacking,bush-bashing,cross country hiking,backpacking'.

Most other countires call tramping 'hiking'.But there are different names for tramping from country to country. In the United Kingdom, is often called 'walking'. Australians use the word bushwalking for both on- and off-trail tramping. Trampning in the regions of Nepal and India is sometimes called 'trekking'. Hiking a long-distance trail from end to end is often referred to as thru-hiking.

There is one situation where an individual tramper can make a large impact on nature and it's ecosystem: FIRE. In 2005, a backpacker burned 7% of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile by knocking over an gas portable stove.

Trampers go to some of the most beautiful places in the world to tramp.to hike.But remeber that these environments are often fragile: trampers may accidentally destroy the environment that they enjoy.While one person doesn't make a difference...lots of trampers over the years may, for example :if you gather wood in an area to start a fire that may be harmless to the enviroment once.But years of gathering wood,can strip an area of valuable nutrients. RESPECT NATURE !

Some of the cooler tracks/tramps you can do in New Zealand are listed below :


North Island

Ruapehu Circuit
Tongariro Crossing


South Island

Abel Tasman Coastal Track and Abel Tasman Inland Track in Abel Tasman National Park
Copland Track
Greenstone Track
Heaphy Track
Hollyford Track
Hump Ridge Track
Kepler Track
Milford Track
Otago Central Rail Trail
Rees-Dart Track
Routeburn Track
St James Walkway
Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track
Waitutu Track
Wangapeka Track

For more information on tramping go to these websites :

http://www.tramper.co.nz/

http://www.doc.govt.nz/index.html