Walking near kauri: clean footwear properly at the track
Clean footwear and equipment properly around kauri, use every hygiene station and respect track closures and boardwalks.
Read more... : Walking near kauri: clean footwear properly at the trackOutside in Aotearoa
ReGear Journal
What's happening outdoors around New Zealand. Track updates, mountain news and good reasons to get out there.
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Outdoor toilet stops: keeping campsites and water clean
Plan toilets and a small waste kit for outdoor trips, follow local disposal rules and keep paper and waste out of waterways.
Read more... : Outdoor toilet stops: keeping campsites and water clean
Taking a dog hiking: check permission before you go
Check dog access, permits and leash rules for the exact NZ track, including overnight stops and wildlife restrictions.
Read more... : Taking a dog hiking: check permission before you go
Planning a solo day hike in New Zealand
Prepare for solo hiking with a conservative route, clear trip intentions and reliable emergency equipment suited to the area.
Read more... : Planning a solo day hike in New Zealand
Hiking with children: choose a walk everyone can enjoy
Choose an achievable hike with children, keep the group comfortable and together, and leave enough flexibility to turn back early.
Read more... : Hiking with children: choose a walk everyone can enjoy
Coastal walks and tides: plan a safe way back
Plan coastal walks using route-specific tide advice, return timing, swell and access information rather than low tide alone.
Read more... : Coastal walks and tides: plan a safe way back
An unbridged river on your hike: when to turn back
Plan around unbridged rivers, check upstream rain and choose a practical backup before unsafe water forces a decision.
Read more... : An unbridged river on your hike: when to turn back
Contour lines explained: seeing hills on a topographic map
Read contour spacing, height and Topo50 scale to understand the hills ahead and make better sense of a walking map.
Read more... : Contour lines explained: seeing hills on a topographic map
Offline hiking maps: set up your phone before leaving home
Download and test hiking maps offline, protect your phone's power and keep a navigation backup for places without reception.
Read more... : Offline hiking maps: set up your phone before leaving home
Planning hiking time: build in stops and a turnaround point
Build a walking timetable with stages, stops and a clear turnaround, leaving room for slower progress and the journey back.
Read more... : Planning hiking time: build in stops and a turnaround point
DOC track grades: what easy, intermediate and advanced mean
Understand DOC's six track categories and compare terrain, distance and skills before choosing a suitable New Zealand walk.
Read more... : DOC track grades: what easy, intermediate and advanced mean
Using walking poles: length, rhythm and when to stow them
Adjust walking poles for the ground, check their locks and practise a comfortable rhythm before taking them on a longer walk.
Read more... : Using walking poles: length, rhythm and when to stow them