New Zealand tramping tracks facts for kids

In New Zealand, a fun adventure called tramping is like going on a long hike or walk, often staying overnight. While many walking paths in New Zealand are short and easy for a day trip, some tracks are much longer or go through wild, rugged places. For these, you'll need to plan an overnight stay.

A special orange marker helps trampers find their way on tracks.

You might see these markers in places like the Tararua Forest Park.

There are two main kinds of tramping tracks in New Zealand: public and private.

Public Tramping Tracks

Public tracks are looked after by groups like the Department of Conservation (DOC) or local councils. These tracks usually cross land that belongs to everyone, like National Parks. You can use these tracks for free, and there are usually no limits on who can go. However, if you stay overnight in a hut or camp along the way, you might need to pay a small fee.

Private Tramping Tracks

Private tracks are on land owned by individuals or companies. To use these tracks, you usually need to pay a fee and follow specific rules. These fees might cover things like your overnight stay, food, or even having your backpack carried for you!

Famous Tramping Tracks

Some tramping tracks are very well-known and popular. The most famous ones are called the Great Walks. These are special tracks that offer amazing scenery and experiences.

North Island Tracks

Here are some of the notable tramping tracks you can find on the North Island:

• The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, which goes around Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera. This is one of the Great Walks.
• Northern Crossing of Tararua Range in the Tararua Range.
• Ruapehu Circuit.
• Southern Crossing of Tararua Range, also in the Tararua Range.
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
• Tongariro Northern Circuit, another Great Walk.
• Te Araroa, a very long trail that goes across all of New Zealand!
• Whanganui Journey, which is a Great Walk that involves canoeing or kayaking down a river.

South Island Tracks

The South Island also has many incredible tramping tracks:

• Abel Tasman Coast Track (a Great Walk) and Abel Tasman Inland Track in Abel Tasman National Park.
• Banks Peninsula Track (this is a private track).
• Copland Track.
• Dusky Track.
• George Sound Route.
• Greenstone Track.
• Heaphy Track, one of the Great Walks.
• Hollyford Track.
• Hump Ridge Track.
• Kaikoura Coast Track (a private track).
• Kaikoura Wilderness Walk (another private track).
• Kepler Track, a Great Walk.
• Milford Track, one of the most famous Great Walks.
• Mingha-Deception.
• Otago Central Rail Trail.
• Paringa Cattle Trail.
• Queen Charlotte Track.
• Rees-Dart Track.
• Routeburn Track, another Great Walk.
• South Coast Track.
• St James Walkway.
• Travers-Sabine Circuit.
• Wangapeka Track.
• Te Araroa, the long trail that goes through both islands.

Other Islands Tracks

New Zealand's smaller islands also offer tramping adventures:

• Rakiura Track (a Great Walk), found on Stewart Island/Rakiura.
• North-West Circuit.
• Southern Circuit.