Essential Multi-Day Hiking Gear
Essential Multi-Day Hiking Gear for New Zealand Conditions
Aotearoa New Zealand is an adventure playground which has been thrilling hikers for many years with its incredibly beautiful scenery, luxuriant rainforests, magnificent rivers, seemingly limitless mountain ranges, remarkable valleys and tranquil lowland plains.
Ask any visitor to the country what it was that attracted them to Aotearoa New Zealand and spending time in our magnificent outdoors is sure to be high on their list.
In this article, I share with you my favourite New Zealand Hiking Essential Gear List, these are my go to items that I reach for when planning any hiking trip in our beautiful outdoors.
There are of course countless variables to any outdoor adventure such as experience, location, season and weather which will all play a big role in your gear choices so while you’ll not need everything on my list, you may have a few of your own favourites to add to it.
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The Essential Multi-Day Hiking Gear for New Zealand Conditions article contains a wealth of information, some of which may be new to you.
If you’re planning to hike in New Zealand’s back country and want to get the most benefit from this article, use the Contents List above to quickly navigate your way between sections. Once you’ve opened the Contents List, click any of the bullet points to jump straight to that topic.
Throughout the article, I’ve linked to further reading, products, services and directly to the daily blog or vlog relevant to that paragraph.
As well, click any of the images as they will also take you directly to the relevant day.
Preparing to Hike in Aotearoa New Zealand
Preparing for any outdoor endeavour takes careful consideration, after all, this "little country in the middle of the Pacific Ocean" stretches all the way from Cape Reinga in the far north and with a latitude of 34.5° to Stirling Point, Bluff in the far south and with a latitude of 46.6°.
A lot can and does happen with a change of more than 12° in latitude.
Climate in Aotearoa New Zealand
Aotearoa New Zealand has a complex climate and while exploring the country, you’ll likely encounter warm subtropical conditions in the far north, possibly severe alpine conditions in mountainous areas and then cool temperatures in the far south. As a collection of islands, it’s not unusual to experience rapidly changing conditions in any one day.
How Much Rain Did You Say!?
Most areas of Aotearoa New Zealand receive between 600 and 1,600 millimetres of rainfall spread throughout the year with summer traditionally being dryer.
One has to be careful with such sweeping generalisations as for example "most areas" does not include Milford Sound in Fiordland which experiences up to a whopping nine metres (9,000 millimetres) a year. Your little hiking umbrella is not going to be adequate by any means!
Mean annual temperatures range from ten degrees celsius in the south to sixteen degrees celsius in the north, there’s not a huge variation between summer and winter temperatures.
The coldest month is typically July and the warmer months are January and February. Niwa’s forecasting statistics are averages accumulated over many years so of course there’s going to be what will feel like unseasonal highs and lows.
Giant Gate Falls, Milford Track, Fiordland, New Zealand Great Walks
Best Time to Visit Aotearoa New Zealand
Aotearoa New Zealand is an outdoor playground which weather permitting, can be explored all year round. Choose the season that best matches your experience and planned activities
Hiking Season in Aotearoa New Zealand
Summer:
December to February
Warm sunny days provide the perfect backdrop for everything New Zealand has to offer, from stunning scenery and thrilling outdoor activities to incredible food and wine.
Autumn:
March to May
The crisp air and clear skies make it the perfect time to explore the country’s scenic beauty, indulge in seasonal delights, and immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences.
Winter:
June to August
In winter, New Zealand transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for both adventure seekers and those who prefer to cosy up by the fire
Spring:
September to November
Dive into the heart of New Zealand's beauty, culture, and outdoor adventures. Grab your friends, pack a light jacket, and get ready for an unforgettable season of exploration and connection.
As an island nation, our climate is extremely variable and we do joke about having four seasons in one day. Jokes aside though, cold temperatures, snow, strong winds and heavy rain can occur at any time of year and it’s critical that you’re prepared for all conditions.
If the forecast changes before you leave your home and you’re not adequately prepared, I strongly recommend you change your plans.
Best Tracks in Aotearoa New Zealand
There’s hidden gems located all throughout Aotearoa New Zealand many of which are administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and others that are under the care of local and regional councils.
Choose The Best Track for Your Ability
A quick search on the All Trails App gives you many hundreds of Aotearoa New Zealand walks to choose from which you can then sort further by using parameters such as:
Best Match
Most Popular
Closest
Newly Added
Then, choose your specific activity
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Running
Plus a whole lot more activities
Finally, choose your effort
Easy
Moderate
Hard
If you’re not sure how "easy, moderate, hard" compares to what you’re used to at home, start with a short easy track to get a feel for the effort and work your way up as you gain confidence.
Gear Challenge for Hiking in Aotearoa New Zealand
Against the backdrop of potentially unseasonal weather, changing locations and terrain, and unpredictable forecasts lies the challenge for any prospective hiker as after reading the paragraphs above you may wonder what on earth to pack.
It is not my intention to alarm or put you off but to ensure you’re prepared for our weather conditions so that you have a fantastic experience and take home many exciting tales to share with your loved ones.
Choosing what gear to take on Te Araroa
Packing List for Hikers in Aotearoa New Zealand
In order to pack appropriately for an Aotearoa New Zealand hike, you’ll first need to check what’s happening with the weather. As an island nation our weather fronts tend to pass over the country within a few days so if the weather is not ideal, rearrange or delay your hiking plans.
Spending an extra couple of days in town enjoying our unique cultural experiences, splurging on our food and wine delights or pampering yourself may be all it takes for a weather front to pass over.
Many of our most sought after multi-way or overnight hikes such as New Zealand’s Great Walks take between two and five days duration so with careful consideration of the weather forecast, you’ll be able to pack for your adventure with confidence.
Document and Weigh Your Proposed Hiking Kit
As you gather your gear for hiking in Aotearoa New Zealand, create a written list and document and weigh every single item. This process will force you to give more though to your choices and you may even have items which are multi functional.
For example, a saucepan can be used for both heating your food and eating or drinking out of, saving the need to carry a plate.
Assess Your Needs Versus Wants
It’s very easy to assume when heading out for only a few days that your loaded pack weight will not be such an issue. I’ve slipped into that trap and believe me when I say it will be.
If you’re struggling up the 1,154 metre high McKinnon Pass on the Milford Track with sleet in your face, "X" that you insisted on bringing is suddenly going to be a whole lot less desirable.
Work out your needs versus your wants and save the treats for your celebration meal once back in town.
McKinnon Pass, Milford Track, Fiordland
Pack and Repack Your Gear
Now you’ve collated your gear, try squeezing it into your backpack. Does it fit? Is your backpack comfortable when fully loaded? What have you forgotten? Okay, now add the food and water that you’d overlooked.
Refine your choices further and be sure to go for several hikes with your backpack fully loaded. Go out for a day, at least four hours, try walking up and down hills, on good and on rough trails. Try this in different weather as your load will weigh more when wet.
Another consideration is that your pack will fit differently when you’re out wearing just a base layer compared to being out in your storm jacket with multiple layers underneath.
There might not be much you can do about that but at least you’ll be mentally prepared. While you’re at it, does your storm jacket fit comfortably over multiple layers? Function before fashion.
Refine Your Multi-Day Hike Gear
Make the final call on what gear you’ll take when you’re in the closest trail town to your chosen track. You’ll find that many of the local accommodation providers cater for hikers and provide facilities for you to leave any extra luggage with them while you’re on trail.
I find this very useful when I’ve travelled by public transport to the trail town as I can then leave my "town clothes" behind while on trail. It also means that when I return, I’ve something clean to change into as I wash my trail kit.
Back Country Hut Facilities
DOC hut facilities vary greatly throughout New Zealand ranging from the shall we say "modest" to by comparison "palatial". If you’re still unsure after checking out the details on All Trails or on the DOC website, simply do a google image search for the hut. I’ve yet to find one that doesn’t at the minimum have at least one photo which will give you a good idea of facilities.
Hut facilities will include:
communal bunk room (may also be the kitchen area)
bunks with covered mattress
bench for preparing your food
table with seats
wood fire
hooks for coats
sinks
running water
long drop or pit toilet of some type (typically in a separate building)
Back Country Campsite Facilities
If the campsites are on conservation land, the facilities will be basic though if it’s alongside a hut, you’ll sometimes be able to share the hut facilities. Note, not always as the rules are fairly stringent for huts that require pre-booking such as the Great Walk Huts, meaning if you’ve booked a campsite, you’ll not be welcome in the hut.
Campsite facilities will include:
long drop or pit toilet of some type
Multi-Day Hike Essential Gear List
I have compiled my Multi Day Hike Essential Gear List using the following categories;
main gear and sleeping system
food and water
clothing worn
clothing packed (hiking)
clothing packed (camp and sleeping)
electronics
safety
toiletries
hygiene
first aid
repairs
personal items
Below are the items that I would choose in normal circumstances when undertaking a multi day hike in New Zealand. Keep in mind that we’ve all different experience, abilities and needs and what may work for me, may not work for you.
This Multi-Day Hike Essential Gear List is merely a guide, add to it or take off it as you see fit.
Travel Consulting and Adventure Planning
Feeling stressed about your new adventure and travel planning?
I’m here to help simplify the process and take the weight off your shoulders.
Multi-Day Hike - Main Gear And Sleeping System
Three essential items that you need are your tent, pack and sleeping bag which are all big in weight, expense and importance. If you’re purchasing these items new, take time in your selection and they will last you for many more exciting outdoor adventures. If you’re borrowing or hiring these items, make sure that they are fit for purpose.
For example, Andrew is 20 centimetres taller than me and as such, his sleeping bag needs to be larger and longer than mine. If I took an oversized sleeping bag, I’d have plenty of room to wriggle around in but I’d also be carrying way more weight than is necessary.
And vice versa, Andrew’s not going to be comfortable using my narrow, women specific sleeping bag. Not only would it be too small, it would be far too warm for him. I’m a cold sleeper and the temperature rating in my sleeping bag is -10°.
A silk liner in your sleeping bag will protect your bag from unnecessary exposure to your unwashed hiker body and night clothes as well as add a degree or two more warmth. They’re very light and easy to chuck in the washing machine to freshen up.
Have I mentioned that it rains in Aotearoa New Zealand? This is the reason for all those glorious waterfalls, rivers, lakes and the verdant rainforests that you’re coming to see. It’s also the reason you’ll take a decent pack cover and a pack liner.
Depending on the season it’s likely you’ll experience some rain while on a multi-day hike in Aotearoa New Zealand. Keeping your hiking kit nice and dry is a key consideration as changing into dry clothes after a long wet day is bliss.
My preference is to simply use a large black bin bag as my pack liner and it works a treat without the weight of a commercial liner. I’ll qualify that further to say that I do pack my clothing and sleeping bag in waterproof compression bags which then go into the bin liner.
Whether you’re planning to camp or not, I strongly recommend you at least take some form of *emergency bivy which will provide shelter. If you are planning to camp, you’ll likely want a tent, tent footprint and sleeping pad.
Multi-Day Hike - Main Gear And Sleeping System List
Tent
Tent Footprint
Sleeping Pad
Big Black Bin Bag - pack liner
Silk Liner
Compression Bags
Zip Lock Bags
*Emergency Bivy - if not taking a tent
Summer camp
Multi-Day Hike - Food And Water System
One of the wee joys of a multi-day hike is having a good appetite and enjoying a decent meal once you reach your destination.
If you’re walking one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Great Walks, the huts have bench top gas burners and even gas available (other than the Waikaremoana Great Walk). In theory, you don’t need to carry a stove and gas canister though I still do for my emergency mid day cup of green tea and also if I want a warm lunch.
If camping and for almost all other huts, if you want to heat food, you’ll be taking your own gas and stove.
When it comes to water, my preference is to use a water bladder as I find I sip water more often than if I have to stop and take my pack off to get out a water bottle. There are some packs with side pockets designed for you to be able to reach your water bottle while wearing the pack, but not mine.
The huts use roof catchment or the nearby streams for their water supply and when on many of our trails, there’s streams, tiny waterfalls or huge rivers meaning you don’t need to be overly concerned about carrying gallons of water.
I find taking between one and two litres a day is plenty for both drinking and midday cooking though of course, if it’s a particularly hot day, take extra. You know what suits you best.
I found when walking Te Araroa that the FarOut App was very useful for current updates on water conditions ahead, as in confirming if there’s still fresh water in a hut tank or that the stream hasn’t become stagnant or run dry. With resident rangers, the hut supply should be sorted.
Depending on the walk, I may or may not take my plate, instead eating directly from my saucepan or food bag. Many of the commercial freeze dried or dehydrated meals come in a bag that you can pour boiling water into, then eat straight out of them.
Multi-Day Hike - Food And Water System List
Stove - Stove, Pot, Fuel Canister Foot
Cotton mesh kitchen bag (to carry stove system)
Lighter
Folding Knife
Spoon
Collapsible bowl with lid
Collapsible cup with lid - 215 ml
100 - 250 gram ISO fuel canister
2,500 - 3,000 ml water bladder
Food Bag
Cloth Wipes x1 (Chux)
Food Rubbish Bag
Multi-Day Hike - Clothing (Worn)
In order to keep the weight down, I keep it simple and wear the same thing every day.
Layering is fundamental to your clothing strategy with variations dependent on the specific weather or environmental conditions you’re experiencing each day.
Even with the best rain jacket and pants, if you’re in the rain for six hours, your clothes will become wet on the inside, whether from the rain finally soaking through your jacket’s waterproofing or from perspiration. It’s something I’m prepared for as I’ve yet to find the perfect solution to New Zealand’s persistent rain.
On arrival at the overnight location, (hut or campsite) I change immediately into my night clothes and do my best to dry out my hiking clothes. This may involve hanging them outside the hut either on a clothes line or hook, above the fire with every one else’s gear or draped off the side of my bunk. It’s possible to lay your clothing underneath your sleeping bag and during the night, your body heat will help to dry them.
Pro tip; if you’re staying in a hut and bringing a black thermal base layer, you might like to add a name tag to it so that you can identify it amongst everyone else’s black thermal base layers crowded on the line above the fire.
When camping, clothes are hung from branches, on fences, balanced on the ends of hiking poles or spread on the ground, whatever it takes to air them out.
Unless there’s the threat of theft from those naughty keas, boots are left outside the hut on the covered decks. With sometimes twenty people (forty if it’s the Pinnacles Hut) sharing a bunk room, the room will smell pretty funky by morning so if you’re able to, be sure to leave one or two windows open for air. Don’t worry about the cold, with that many people, the room will be warm.
On past walks, I used to wear my more traditional leather hiking boots however if you have been following me for the last few years, you’ll know I no longer use them.
I prefer now to wear trail runners which I thoroughly tested when walking the 3,000 kilometre Te Araroa in all kinds of conditions and terrain. During a typical season, they would be perfectly adequate for walking any of our Great Walks and most popular tracks.
If you’re particularly sensitive to scratches, you might like to consider taking gaiters to help when the tracks overgrown, particularly if you’re having to push through matagouri which can be quite vicious.
Multi-Day Hike - Clothing (Worn) List
Sports Bra
Briefs
Top - Merino Base Long Sleeve
Hiking shirt
Hiking pants / shorts
Cap
Wind Jersey
Trail Shoes
Identification Bracelet
Pahautea Hut, Mount Pirongia Summit, Waikato
Multi-Day Hike - Clothing Packed (Hiking)
I keep these few items of clothes handy for when the weather changes.
Multi-Day Hike - Clothing Packed (Hiking) List
Rain Jacket
Rain Pants
Beanie
Gloves
Multi-Day Hike - Clothing Packed (Camp And Sleeping)
It’s a great feeling to arrive at the next hut or campsite, have a wash and change from your hiking clothes into your night clothes. Follow that with a cup of tea and before long, you’ll start to feel human again.
One of my luxuries is to take camp shoes so that I can slip out to the toilet during the night, without having to put on my hiking shoes. As well, I use my camp shoes for exploring the nearby trails, looking for glow worms or trapping down to swimming holes.
Multi-Day Hike - Clothing Packed (Camp And Sleeping) List
Merino Hooded Jacket or Puffer
Camp shoes / slides
Merino T-shirt
Merino Leggings
Sports Bra
Briefs
Pahautea Hut, Mount Pirongia, Summit
Multi-Day Hike - Essential Electronics
As a content creator by the time I account for my cameras and associated batteries, tripods and other equipment I do tend to take way more electronics than other hikers.
Given the often wet environment, I still give preference to my GoPro Hero adventure camera which is waterproof and copes with plenty of knocks.
While I’d love to take a larger camera with all the fancy lenses, I’m not prepared to carry the extra weight. I’ve often seen other hikers with big cameras however they simply can’t use them in the wet. It’s a lot of extra weight to carry and not use.
While on trail, there’s nowhere to recharge electronics via mains electricity so I don’t take my wall charger plug with me, leaving it behind along with my "town clothes".
Multi-Day Hike - Essential Electronics List
Camera with battery and spare battery, cables
Camera Tripod
Camera soft case bag
Memory card and adapter
Smart phone, cover, cables
Headphones
Power bank with solar panel and carabiner
Headlamp plus cable
Cables - 3 in 1
Freewheeling Kiwi Essential Gear List - Multi-Day Hike in New Zealand Conditions
This essential list includes everything you need for your multi-day hike in New Zealand conditions.
Clearly set out in categories with space to add your own favourite items as well as to record the weight of your equipment.
Multi-Day Hike - Safety Equipment and Considerations
Whatever else you remove from my list, don’t remove the emergency device and don’t rely on cell phone coverage as there’s usually none. I carry both a personal locator beacon (PLB) and a satellite communicator, if one fails, I’ve still the other. The PLB for the location accuracy and the satellite communicator both for location and as a tracker.
If an accident happens, I want to give the New Zealand Search and Rescue team every chance of finding me and I’ll hit the SOS button on every device in my possession. Having more than one alert also helps Search and Rescue know it’s not a false alarm. You can either buy or lease these devices and they’re worth their weight in gold.
While it’s a comfort hoping that Search and Rescue know where you are, if it’s night or the weather is bad, you’ll be relying on your own wits and equipment to get you through what will be a very long wait, hence the need for an emergency bivy.
Multi-Day Hike - Safety Equipment List
GPS Personal Locator beacon and cover
Smartphone - for the map Apps
Topographic Map
Whistle, lanyard
Emergency survival blanket / bivy
Head lamp
Emergency food stash
Big Black Bin Bag - takes up no space and with three holes in it, great for wearing as an extra waterproof layer.
Multi-Day Hike - Essential Toiletries
Curate your toiletries down to the bare essentials, don’t worry, everyone else will be doing the same. Sometimes huts or campsites have toilet paper but don’t rely on it. If you take wet wipes, do not place them in the toilets as they’ll only block the system. Any rubbish you create, you will carry out again.
There’s no showers in the backcountry and if you want to wash your hair, you’ll need to do it in a hut handbasin. Be aware that it’s not acceptable to use soap and detergents in any of our streams and waterways so even if it’s warm enough for a swim, leave the soap back at the hut.
Multi-Day Hike - Essential Toiletries List
Comb/Brush
Soap
Insect repellent - essential!
Toilet paper
More Insect repellent (seriously!)
Multi-Day Hike - Personal Hygiene
The three P’s represent pees, poos and periods and no matter how consistent you are off trail, the stress of hiking, unfamiliar food and possibly untreated or inadequately treated water may impact on your body in strange and unexpected ways. It may also be a long way between toilets.
Adhering to the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, a little planning allows for those unexpected moments. When peeing and pooing outside, find a private spot well away from the trail and water sources. If pooing, first use your trowel to dig a cat hole then after you’ve done your business, fill it in again.
If you use toilet paper, wet wipes and sanitary items, pack them out in your toilet rubbish bag. If you’re caught out needing to poo above the tree line (say on an alpine pass) and where there’s no organic matter to dig into, you’ll need to pack your poo out.
Seriously. Don’t leave it there for someone else to trip over. Alpine poos take upwards of a year to decompose and that gorgeous kea will not be impressed by your behaviour.
Multi-Day Hike - Personal Hygiene List
Wee/pee rag, lanyard
Leave No Trace Trowel
Microfibre towel and bag
Toilet Rubbish Bag
Essential first aid kit
Multi-Day Hike - First Aid, Supplements and Medicine
A first aid kit is one of those items that you’ll always carry and hopefully not use aside from perhaps some blister plasters.
Take advise from your doctor as to what medications or supplements you may need to take.
Multi-Day Hike - First Aid List
Nail scissors
Tweezers
Clippers
Needle / Safety Pin
Bandage Crepe
Tape
Plasters
Cleansing Wipe
Multi-Day Hike - Supplements and Medicine List
Multi vitamin
Ibuprofen
Paracetamol
Antibiotics
Ouch!
Multi-Day Hike - Essential Repairs Kit
When hiking, having items that have multiple uses are fantastic and my all time favourite, duct tape, sits firmly in that category. You’ll not need a full roll, just find that half used one kicking around the back of your kitchen junk drawer.
Use it to mend your water bladder valve, tape up your shoes, repair your backpack or to tape over hot spots before they become full blown blisters. It’s good stuff.
Multi-Day Hike - Essential Repairs Kit List
Duct tape
Needle / Safety pin
Dental floss
Andrew repairing shoes with duct tape
Multi-Day Hike - Key Personal Items
I never take my wallet hiking, once on trail, there’s nowhere to spend cash or to use eftpos cards. If I’m storing a bag in town, I’ll actually leave my wallet at home and carry with me the bare minimum of cards, taking them on trail. I also use my phone’s PayWave function, further restricting the need for cards.
Multi-Day Hike - Key Personal Items List
Money
License (for identification purposes)
Credit / Debit Card
Sunglasses
Prescription glasses
Glass case and cloth
Department of Conservation Booking Confirmation (electronic)
Multi-Day Hike - Comprehensive Apps
NZ Topo 50 South Island
NZ Too 50 North Island
Strava
Garmin Explore
Met Service
Packing Your Fears
They say you pack your fears and I’ve certainly a great big fear of the cold, I’ll take the sweltering heat every time over a cold day. Because of this, I am always tempted to pack extra layers, those "just in case" layers which if I’m questioned, I’ve an immediate selection of self justifications as to why I’m special and need them.
When collating your hiking kit, compare it to my essential hiking list above and then listen to your own justifications as to why you’ve extra or double items. Yes I understand, I know what it’s like but is the extra item really needed or are you trying to soothe an emotional need such as being apprehensive about taking on a new challenge? I get it, I’m tempted to do the same but after hiking many thousands of kilometres, I know my future self will thank me for leaving the double up behind.
On Reflection
When choosing your gear for hiking in Aotearoa New Zealand’s backcountry, while hoping for the best, it’s prudent to plan for the worst. I’ve happily carried a personal locator beacon, emergency blanket and first aid kit for many thousands of kilometres and never used them and will continue to do so.
Whether I’m hiking Milford Track in Fiordland or any one of New Zealand’s other Great Walks or the lesser known trails, this remains my "go-to" gear list, it’s my starting place to add to or subtract from as the occasion calls.
Leave a Comment
What’s your favourite piece of hiking gear? Have you ever experienced gear failure and managed to work around it while on trail? Leave a comment below so that we will continue to learn from each other 😀
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Aotearoa New Zealand is an adventure playground which has been thrilling hikers for many years with its incredibly beautiful scenery, luxuriant rainforests, magnificent rivers, seemingly limitless mountain ranges, remarkable valleys and tranquil lowland plains.
In this article, I share with you my favourite New Zealand Hiking Essential Gear List, these are my go to items that I reach for when planning any hiking trip in our beautiful outdoors.