DANNY DE HEK Entrepreneur Decision Maker Connector Podcaster EducatorNew Zealand is a walking-trekking paradise of pristine landscapes.

When you think of New Zealand you automatically think of walking or ‘tramping’ as Kiwis call it. Millions of visitors have enduring memories of beautiful walking tracks and comfortable huts in New Zealand’s backcountry. Tramping routes are accessible to everyone, and there are 100 Visitor Centres throughout the country that can provide maps and pamphlets covering local short walks, tracks in national parks and forest parks, as well as Great Walks in magical wilderness areas. Altogether there are around 12000 kms of tracks and 1000 forest huts.

Walking in New Zealand’s world famous wild places like glaciers, fiords, volcanoes, alpine valleys, and dense rainforests, you can be unconcerned about dangerous animals, reptiles or insects. There is absolutely nothing that can attack you. Furthermore the climate is quite mild and pleasant in lowland areas. However, alpine regions demand good preparation and an allowance for weather contingencies.

The most popular track is the Abel Tasman Coast Track followed by the famous Milford Track, which has often been described as the ‘Finest Walk in the World’. The Routeburn Track also offers stunning scenery, as does the Kepler Track, Waikaremoana Track and the Tongariro Crossing. The Hollyford Track is an inspiring wilderness route that extends from the mountains to the sea. Many visitors preplan a circuit around both main islands travelling from one Great Walk or Forest Park track to another. You can choose to tramp independently carrying a pack, or join a guided walk where accommodation and meals are provided.

With all New Zealand outdoor trips the emphasis is on an interactive, hands-on, genuine nature experience. In this clean, green, eco-friendly country a wilderness tramp can easily be the highlight of your holiday.