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New Zealand is famous for its hiking, or tramping as we call
it. We have several famous tracks, e.g. the Milford and Routeburn,
which attract thousands of visitors each year. However, New
Zealand's hiking is not limited to these areas. We have great
hikes throughout the country. On our Nature Safaris we explore
the least known tracks and try to avoid crowded huts and walkways.
Instead, we seek wilderness, off the main tourist routes.
The scenery is just as spectacular if not more so.
As we explore many less known wilderness areas, tracks can
at times be slippery and rough, and may involve river crossings.
At times we hike off the track so hiking boots are essential.
Although you do not need previous hiking experience (except
for safaris graded 'fit'), you do need to be reasonably fit,
enthusiastic and prepared for a mental and physical challenge.
Our Nature Safaris are designed for adults and you generally
need to be at least 16 years old to join us. However, fit
and mature younger teens may be able to come if accompanied
by an adult. The Milford and Routeburn Guided Walks welcome
people aged at least 10 years.
You won’t be left behind! We hike together as a group
at a steady pace, stopping for a good lunch and often for
snacks. Due to changeable weather conditions and the remoteness
of the areas we visit, we insist that the group stay together.
We expect you to follow the guidelines in our environmental
care code.
Our safaris are hiking tours of New Zealand, and therefore
a reasonable standard of fitness is required. Almost every
day will involve some hiking - some days, carrying your backpack
for up to 7 hours (for overnight hikes, your backpack with
sleeping bag, personal gear, and food will weigh approximately
12 kg). If you haven't been hiking or active for a while then
we recommend that you get fit for your safari.
Most younger people are naturally fit if they participate
in some form of sport or visit the gym every week. You will
get fitter on your safari, but in general the fitter you are
to start with, the more enjoyment you will get out of your
trip.
If you are concerned about your fitness and want to prepare
yourself for the safari then here are some tips. - Start doing
hikes a month before the trip. Start with a walk around your
village or town at a brisk pace for 1 or 2 hours and build
up slowly to 4 -5 hour walks with a small, loaded (5-10 kg)
pack. Also take walks over uneven terrain to improve your
balance, over farmland or into the mountains.
- Cycling is great exercise for building up your leg and
knee muscles.
- Visit your local gym and talk with your instructor. They
can put together a fitness program best suited to your needs.
- You will find that on Safari you will eat more than what
you would normally, especially snack foods, e.g. chocolate,
peanuts, muesli bars, banana chips, biscuits etc. It is important
to keep your energy levels up. You will be burning a lot of
energy. When you are training for your Safari, remember to
take some snacks with you.
Grade Medium
No previous hiking experience is required, but you need to
be reasonably fit and enthusiastic.
Hiking per day Up to 7 hours - average 4-5 hours
Pack weight Up to 12 kg
Altitude gain per day Up to 700 metres - normally 200 metres
Terrain Mostly tracks. Some ma be slippery or rough;
some off-track hiking and river crossings.
Grade Fit
Hiking per day Up to 8 hours - average 7 hours
Pack weight Up to 14 kg
Altitude gain per day Up to 900 metres - normally 300 metres
Terrain Lots of off-road hiking involving rockhopping, scree
slopes, bush bashing, river crossing and some exposure to
heights.
Hiking times and distances are approximate only. They indicate
actual hiking times and do not include breaks.
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