New Zealand's Great Walks are bucket-list experiences that showcase the country's most spectacular landscapes—from alpine passes and ancient forests to pristine coastlines and volcanic terrain. Whether you're a Kiwi planning your next tramping adventure or an international visitor dreaming of exploring Aotearoa's wilderness, proper preparation is essential.
This comprehensive guide covers what to bring for New Zealand's 10 official Great Walks, plus practical tips to ensure your multi-day trek is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Understanding New Zealand's Great Walks
The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages 10 official Great Walks spread across both the North and South Islands:
North Island:
- Lake Waikaremoana Track (46 km, 3-4 days)
- Tongariro Northern Circuit (43 km, 3-4 days)
- Whanganui Journey (145 km, 3-5 days by canoe)
South Island:
- Abel Tasman Coast Track (60 km, 3-5 days)
- Heaphy Track (78.4 km, 4-6 days)
- Kepler Track (60 km, 3-4 days)
- Milford Track (53.5 km, 4 days)
- Routeburn Track (32 km, 2-3 days)
- Rakiura Track (32 km, 3 days)
- Paparoa Track (55 km, 2-3 days)
Each walk has unique challenges and conditions, but this gear list covers the essentials for all of them.
The Essential Gear Checklist
1. Backpack: Your Mobile Base Camp
For multi-day Great Walks, you'll need a pack that can carry 3-5 days of gear, food, and water. Choose capacity based on your trip length and whether you're staying in huts (lighter) or camping (heavier).
Recommended capacity:
- 50-60L: Perfect for hut-based walks where you don't need a tent
- 65-75L: Ideal for camping or longer trips with extra food
See our complete backpack selection guide for detailed advice on choosing the right pack for your Great Walk.
Pro tip: Test your loaded pack before departure. It should sit comfortably on your hips with weight distributed evenly.
2. Footwear: Foundation of Comfort
Your boots are your most important investment. New Zealand tracks can be muddy, rocky, river-crossed, and steep—often all in one day.
What you need:
- Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support, broken in before your trip
- Good tread for muddy and slippery conditions
- Gaiters for muddy tracks like Milford or Heaphy
- Camp shoes or sandals for hut evenings
Our picks:
- RAX Waterproof Men's Winter Hiking Boots — high-top ankle support for technical terrain
- Women's Waterproof Hiking Boots — lightweight and waterproof for all-day comfort
- Waterproof High-Top Hiking Boots — durable all-weather performance
- WOLFF Waterproof High-Top Trekking Shoes — exceptional grip on NZ's slippery trails
Socks matter too — pack at least 3 pairs of quality hiking socks:
- Thick Terry Hiking Socks — cushioned for long days
- Over The Knee Wool Hiking Socks — warm and moisture-wicking
- Thickened Wool Terry Socks — ideal for cold alpine nights
Gaiters are essential on muddy tracks:
- Waterproof Snow Gaiters — full leg protection for wet and muddy conditions
- Camouflage Snow Gaiters — lightweight option for drier tracks
3. Shelter: Tents for Freedom Campers
While most Great Walks have excellent hut systems, some sections allow camping, and having your own tent gives you flexibility.
Key features for NZ conditions:
- Waterproof (minimum 3000mm rating), freestanding, good ventilation
Our picks:
- Ultralight 2-Person Waterproof Camping Tent — double layer, lightweight, vestibule storage
- Double Layer Four Seasons Portable Tent — 2-3 person capacity with aluminum poles
- Winter Double Layer Waterproof Camping Tent — 4-season protection for alpine conditions
4. Sleeping System: Rest is Recovery
Even in huts, you'll need a sleeping bag. New Zealand's alpine nights can drop below freezing, even in summer.
Temperature ratings by season:
- Summer (Dec-Feb): 5-10°C comfort rating
- Shoulder seasons (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr): 0-5°C comfort rating
- Winter (May-Sep): -5°C or lower
Our picks:
- Goose Down Warm Sleeping Bag — lightweight 3-season option
- Mummy Goose Down Sleeping Bag — superior warmth-to-weight for serious trampers
- Naturehike Sleeping Bag Liner — adds 5-10°C warmth and keeps your bag clean
Don't forget a sleeping pad for camping sections:
- Naturehike D01 Inflatable Sleeping Pad with Pillow — integrated pillow, ultralight
- Outdoor Camping Press Inflatable Sleeping Pad — lightweight with built-in pillow
5. Clothing: Layer for Success
New Zealand weather is famously unpredictable. The "four seasons in one day" saying is absolutely true on the Great Walks.
Base layer: Merino wool or synthetic — avoid cotton entirely.
Mid layer (insulation):
- Men's Waterproof Thermal Hiking Jacket — windproof winter outdoor coat
- Shark Skin Tactical Softshell Jacket — waterproof fleece-lined
Outer layer (weather protection):
- Ultra-Light Windproof Rain Jacket — packable, unisex, essential for NZ rain
- Men's Outdoor Waterproof Jacket — windproof hiking rain jacket
6. Cooking & Hydration: Fuel Your Adventure
Most Great Walks huts have cooking facilities, but you'll need your own stove for camping or flexibility.
Stoves:
- Portable Folding Camping Gas Stove — compact and reliable
- Folding Camping Gas Stove — ultra-light for backpackers
Cookware:
- 750ml Stainless Steel Camp Cook Pot — fire and gas compatible
- Titanium Folding Cup — collapsible, ultralight
- Complete Camp Kitchen Bundle — pot, burner, and utensils in one NZ-stocked package
Hydration:
- Titanium Outdoor Water Bottle (1L) — durable and lightweight
- 3L Hydration Bladder — convenient hands-free hydration on the trail
- Portable Water Filter Straw — for treating stream water on the go
7. Navigation & Safety
Essential safety gear:
- SUNROAD Handheld GPS Altimeter and Compass — advanced navigation for remote tracks
- Geological Night Light Compass — reliable backup navigation
- Outdoor Survival First Aid Kit — essential for every trip
- High-Power Rechargeable Spotlight Flashlight — 750m range for emergencies
- Swiss Army Multi-Tool Folding Knife — versatile trail tool
Track-Specific Considerations
Milford Track (“The Finest Walk in the World”)
- Expect heavy rain — extra waterproofing is non-negotiable
- Sandfly repellent is essential
- Book well in advance (most popular track in NZ)
Tongariro Northern Circuit
- Alpine conditions year-round — warm layers essential even in summer
- Volcanic terrain requires sturdy, grippy boots
Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Tidal crossings — check tide times carefully
- Water shoes useful for estuary crossings
- Less rain than West Coast tracks
Heaphy Track
- Longest Great Walk — pack light and smart
- Sandflies are notorious — bring repellent
- Variable terrain from beach to alpine
Packing Tips for Success
- Test everything before you go — no surprises on the trail
- Pack in waterproof bags — even "waterproof" packs leak in NZ rain
- Distribute weight properly — heavy items close to your back, centred
- Keep essentials accessible — rain gear, snacks, water, first aid on top
- Leave non-essentials behind — every gram counts over 50+ kilometres
Ready to Tackle a Great Walk?
Whether you're planning the iconic Milford Track, the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro, or the coastal beauty of Abel Tasman, proper gear makes all the difference. Browse our full range of hiking boots, sleeping bags, rain jackets, camp kitchen gear, and safety essentials — all selected for New Zealand conditions.
Have questions about gear for your specific Great Walk? Get in touch — we're passionate about helping Kiwis and international visitors experience the best of New Zealand's wilderness safely and comfortably.