Hiking Camps

Hiking Camps

Hiking is an activity of medium difficulty, which involves walking along trails or paths for varying lengths of time. The duration of hiking activities vary between short half-day hikes and longer programs lasting several weeks. It is usually an activity where groups of different sizes participate. Hiking and trekking refer to the same thing, however, there is some confusion regarding the term. Trekking refers to longer trips whereas hiking refers to shorter ones.

The difference between each of them lies in the length of the program. A hike might range anywhere from one day to a few weeks, whereas a trek would typically take place over a period of a week or more, often including camping out.

There are many types of hiking, such as alpine, cross-country, desert, etc., depending on the terrain. There are also many types of equipment needed for hiking, such as boots, clothing, sleeping bags, tents, stoves, water bottles, food, maps, GPS devices, compass, etc.

Are there different types of hiking?

There are different types of hiking according to duration, difficulty, and length. For beginners, shorter hikes are recommended. They offer you the opportunity to explore nature without having to worry about too much. On the other hand, long hikes require more training and preparation because it involves walking for several hours every day.

Short hikes usually take place in parks and forests and last less than one day. You walk along trails, cross paths, and climb hills. A hike can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Long hikes cover distances ranging from 20 kilometers to 60 kilometers per day. These trips include camping out, sleeping under the stars, and spending nights in shelters. In some cases, hikers even spend a few weeks living off the land.

In addition to being physically challenging, long hikes often involve socializing with fellow hikers. This makes them ideal for meeting people and building friendships.

What is the best time of the year to practice hiking?

Hiking is one of those activities you can do almost every day of the year. Depending on the region, there are different seasons that are better suited for practicing this sport. For example, some regions like the Alps and Pyrenees are less popular during the summer because of the heat and humidity. In contrast, mountainous areas such as the Andes, Himalayas, Rockies and Appalachians are usually colder during the winter. However, regardless of what month it is, most people agree that hiking is a great way to spend quality time outdoors.

The good news is that many places offer hiking programs throughout the year. If you want to find out whether hiking is something you could enjoy, check out the following list:

1. What is the best time of year to hike?

2. Where are the best hikes?

3. What is the best trail for beginners?

4. How long does it take to hike a certain distance?

5. Which trails are best for families?

What equipment do you need?

If you are planning a trip into the wilderness, there are many things to consider, including what type of gear you will need. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for your adventure:

• Hiking boots – These are great for walking up hills and across uneven terrain. They are usually very durable and comfortable. You want something that will support your feet well while still being light enough to carry around easily.

• Waterproof hiking socks – A good pair of hiking socks will keep your feet dry and warm even during rainy conditions. If you plan to hike in cold weather, make sure you choose socks that are rated to withstand temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Rain coat – Make sure you bring along a raincoat that will protect you from the elements. There are plenty of options out there, ranging from lightweight ponchos to heavy-duty parkas. Be sure to check the size chart carefully before purchasing one.

• Windbreaker – When traveling in colder climates, a windbreaker is essential. You don’t want to be caught without protection against sudden gusts of wind or snow. Look for a lightweight option that won’t weigh you down too much.

• Sunscreen – Even though you might think that the sun doesn’t really shine in most parts of the world, it does. Bring sunscreen with you, whether you are heading off to a tropical island or deep within the mountains.

• Headlamp – If you plan to spend long periods of time outside at night, you will definitely need a headlamp. Choose one that is bright enough to illuminate the path ahead of you.

Why do you need a mountain guide to go hiking?

Hiking is one of those activities where it seems like everyone knows what they’re doing—and they don’t. But there are some things that even seasoned hikers forget, such as the importance of having a good guide. A mountain guide is someone who has been trained to help people enjoy nature safely and successfully. Their job is to plan hikes for groups, make sure that participants have the necessary equipment, and take care of everything else that goes into making your hike enjoyable.

A good mountain guide will understand your personal preferences and expectations. He or she will look out for your safety and comfort while choosing the most suitable routes, stopping points, and accommodations along the way. In addition, he or she will know the local flora and fauna, including what plants and animals are dangerous and which ones aren’t. A good guide will also be able to tell you about the history of the area and explain the significance of certain sites. And finally, a good guide will ensure that you have fun during your trip.

Hiking in New Zealand

New Zealand offers something for everyone. Whether you like exploring rugged landscapes, taking part in active adventures, or just relaxing around beautiful lakes and oceans, there’s plenty to do here.

From hiking trails to great walks, we’ve rounded up our favorite places to go exploring in New Zealand. Each destination offers something different, whether you’re looking for an easy walk in the countryside, or you want to take on a challenging hike.

You’ll find everything from short strolls along the coast, to long treks across mountainous terrain. You’ll even find some epic hikes that lead straight into the heart of glaciers.

Whether you prefer walking, cycling, horse riding, or kayaking, you’ll find a range of activities to suit every skill level. So pack your bags, grab your boots, and start planning your next trip to New Zealand.

The Milford Track

I grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, where I learned how to hike the Milford Track. My family and friends thought it was crazy, because we had no idea what hiking even looked like. We just knew that there was a lake called Te Anau, a mountain called Mount Cook, and a big city called Queenstown.

We didn’t know about the Milford Track, nor did we know about Fiordland National Park. But one day my dad told me he was taking us to see his friend’s farm. He wanted to show me some sheep, so he drove us out into the middle of nowhere. After a few hours of driving, we arrived at a small town called Manapouri. From there, we hiked down a road that led to a river. And that’s when I saw the waterfalls. They were so beautiful that I couldn’t believe anyone could make such things happen.

I’ve since returned to the area many times. Each time I go, I find something different. You never quite know what you’re going to see next.

Abel Tasman Coast Track

The Abel Tasman National Park is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations. Located along the North Island’s north coast, it offers some of the best scenery in the world. Its rugged coastline features stunning views of towering cliffs and large bays dotted with sandy coves. The park covers over 11,600 acres of land and includes several islands, including Little Barrier Island.

Unlike many other hiking trails, the Abel Tasman Coast Track is highly accessible, and many local tour operators offer options to enjoy it based on the desired length and ability. Visitors can choose a multi day, lodge-based walk; a full day trip; a half-day trip; or opt for a tour lasting up to 30 minutes, taking a boat from Kaiteriteri to Marahau. Some visitors combine walking with guided sea kayaking or a cruise around the bay.

If you decide to take the whole walk on foot, it will take about five days and cover approximately 32 miles. The track has no major hills, making it suitable for families with young children or those with a limited fitness level, although there are areas where you’ll need to climb steep slopes. There are numerous accommodation choices, including camping sites, backpacker hostels, lodges and hotels.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

A journey into the heart of New Zealand’s wilderness begins here. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the world’s great walks. Its name translates to “the path along the mountain ridge.” This is a true alpine trek, where the terrain changes dramatically throughout the course of the day.

As you begin your ascent up the valley floor, a stunning panorama unfolds. Lake Taupo lies ahead, while behind you, the rugged peaks of Mt. Ruapehu rise above the clouds. On clear days, the view extends beyond the mountains and onto the plains of central North Island.

This is a moderate level of mobility hike, requiring about 8 hours roundtrip. There are no marked trails, so hikers must rely on their maps and compass. If you plan to do the entire trail, bring plenty of water because there are no facilities along the way.

There are three access points for the Tongariro Alpine Trail. They are located at the bottom of the lake (where the road ends), at the end of the gravel road, and at the start of the gravel road. Each location offers different benefits. For example, the end of the gravel access provides the best scenery, but the start of the gravel access offers the shortest route.

You can make the trip in either direction, but we recommend starting at the Mangatepopohu Valley, following the blue arrows on our map. From there, you’ll ascend steadily to the summit of Tongariro, where you’ll find the iconic viewing platform. The descent takes longer than the climb, so pace yourself accordingly.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing passes through the Tongariro National park, which contains several other hikes, including the famous Turoa Eruption Track. Check out our guide on the Turoa Eruption track for tips on how to maximize your experience.

Rangitoto Summit Track

The summit track starts at the end of the wharf. This is where the majority of visitors start their walk. From here it is about 2km up the hill to the crater rim.

There are several options available to those wanting to go further. You can either follow the main trail marked with red dots or choose a side trail and continue along the ridge. The latter option offers some great views of the surrounding area.

If you want to do the whole thing, you can either return via the same route or head down towards the beach. If you do decide to descend, make sure you carry plenty of drinking water and wear sturdy shoes.

**Please note that the weather conditions can change quickly during winter months. Please be prepared for cold winds and rain. **

Roy’s Peak

Before the coronavirus pandemic hit New Zealand, the mountain resort in North Canterbury had become one of the most popular spots in the world. But the area around the peak was overrun with crowds. So how did people manage to find a quiet spot to take their romantic photo?

In 2017, a local photographer named Chris Batey began documenting couples getting married on the mountain — and he says his work has since gone viral. “I’ve seen people flying helicopters into the valley to land on the side of the road,” he told CNN Business. “People are bringing dogs up here.”

There are now 73,000 images tagged with the hashtag #roylake on Instagram. Couples have been known to hire helicopters to fly them to the top of the mountain, but if you’re looking to hike to the top, a high level of physical fitness is required, and it gets cold at night, so bring warm clothes.

The walk takes about three hours round trip, and starts from the Roy’s Peak track parking lot on Mount Aspirinng Road. Parking is limited, so taking the bus or cycling to the starting point is advised.

Mount Maunganui Summit Walk

Climbing to the top of Mt. Maunganui is a lot easier than many people think. In fact, it only takes about 40 minutes to reach the 232-metre summit, and there are two routes up the mountain where you can see the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the white sandy beaches of Tauranga Bay. There are picnic tables at the summit, so you can stop and take a break while enjoying the views of the ocean, the bay, and the city skyline. You can even go swimming at the beach below.

Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track is a scenic hiking trail in the southernmost part of the South Island of New Zealand. It runs along the western side of the Southern Alps, starting near Lake Hayes and ending at The Divide, just north of Queenstown. The trail passes through several small towns including Wanaka, Arrowtown, Cromwell, and Middlemarch. It follows the Routeburn River for much of its length.

The route is named after George Routledge & Sons Ltd., a British publishing firm founded by George Routledge. In 1876 he published A Guide Book of New Zealand, which included his own account of walking the entire length of the North Island. He continued to publish books about New Zealand, and the Routes section became a major feature of many editions of his guidebooks.

In 1907, Routledge sold his interest in the company to William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.. Routledge himself went on to become a noted mountaineer, climbing extensively in the United States, Canada and New Zealand.

Hooker Valley Track

A short stroll down the road from Christchurch city centre, the Hooker Valley Track offers visitors a chance to experience nature at its most impressive. This popular walking route follows the Hooker River – named after William Hooker, one of the founders of the Alpine Club of New Zealand – and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

The track is an excellent day walk for people of all ages, offering plenty of opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and photography. The trail is mostly flat, and the path is well groomed, with boardwalts protecting the fragile environment.

Visitors will find wild flowers scattered across the valley floor during the summer months, creating a beautiful backdrop for photos. The track is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers alike, and it takes around 3 hours to complete.

Rakiura Track

Located at New Zealand’s southern most tip, the Rakiura track is a leisurely hike into a beautiful natural environment full of beaches and bush. Visitors might even catch a glimpse a kiwi (New Zealand’s National symbol), while walking alongside the coast.

Like the Abel Tasman, sections can be done with a Water Taxi. One popular option is to take the Rakiura Charters Water Taxi to Port William Wharf, where you’ll find a 30 min flight from Invercargoil. There are plenty of options for getting around, including taxis, buses, ferries, and kayaks.

From here you can either continue down the road, or take another water taxi back to Half Moon Bay.

Lake Waikaremoana Track

Lake Waikaremoaka is one of the most popular tracks in New Zealand. Located just outside Auckland city limits, it offers visitors a chance to experience the rich natural beauty of the region. The Lake Waikaremoaka track is a great way to spend a day exploring the lush forests, waterfalls, and lakeside scenery. This scenic trail takes you along the shoreline of Lake Waikaremoa and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The Lake Waikaremoata track is mostly flat and easy to follow. However, there are several steep sections where hikers must climb over rocks and logs. Some parts of the trail require ropes and harnesses.

There are no designated campsites on the Lake Waikarama track. Hikers can choose to camp out under the stars or pitch a tent near the car park.