Important Information The following is a list of essential equipment you are required to bring on your multiday guided walk. The bold items may be purchased at reasonable prices from the Ultimate Hikes Centre in Queenstown to reduce the need for you to carry them throughout your holiday. Items highlighted may be borrowed free of charge.
For Walking: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Backpack Rain jacket with hood Boots or sturdy walking shoes Fleece jacket or merino jacket Merino or micro fleece top Merino/polypropylene ylene thermal underwear (top & bottom) Warm hat Sun hat Shorts/quick dry walking trousers T-shirt Warm socks (x2) Warm gloves Water bottle Camera Insect repellent Sun block
For Evenings: •
• • • •
Comfortable light weight outfit Sandals or lightweight shoes Nightwear Handkerchiefs Toilet requisites (towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner provided)
Optional: • • • • • •
Walking poles (recommended & available for hire) Foot fleece (to prevent blisters) Gaiters Swimsuit Spare laces Blister treatment
We do not recommend that you walk in cotton garments, jeans or silk thermals. These do not dry efficiently and will result in you feeling damp either from wet conditions or perspiration. Excellent backpacks and raincoats are provided free of charge and are essential items. We can also supply you with a sleep sheet (& towel on the Routeburn/Grand Traverse) and a plastic pack liner for rain protection. With all of these items you are more than welcome to bring your own if you so wish. If you do chose to use those provided, you will receive them at the pre-track briefing. Other necessities are available for purchase at the lodges, such a disposable cameras and toothpaste.
Each day you will carry a backpack containing your personal belongings and clothes, your sleep sheet, picnic lunch and on the Routeburn Track only, your towel (again provided for you. On the Milford Track, towels are provided at the lodges). If you adhere to our equipment list, your pack should weigh approximately (10-14lbs). Keep your pack as light as 5-7kg (10-14lb whilst taking the essentials to possible wh your experience; hand laundry enhance yo are available in every lodge. facilities ar no facility for transporting your There is n between lodges. pack betw
Guides & Safety Guide Your guid guides are trained outdoor enthusiasts enthusia who will explain all about the area area. They pride themselves on their ssafe, efficient and friendly service serv and provide everything from fro a hot drink at lunch to an a evening briefing on the next day’s walk. They are trained in first aid and are in constant radio contact with each ea other, the lodges and our Queenstown/Te Anau/Mt Cook bases. Q Your safety is of paramount importance and your guides may have to adapt the day depending upon fitness levels and weather or track conditions. Whilst they will make every effort to meet your needs, please adhere to their professional decisions if required. In some cases, the fully funded New Zealand Government accident compensation scheme known as ACC (the Accident Compensation Corporation) will cover medical and other costs related to a personal injury incurred while in New Zealand. However, we can not guarantee that such costs will be covered by ACC, and HIGHLY RECOMMEND all walkers carry their
own medical/travel insurance while on our walk to cover medical and related costs (eg. helicopter off the track, hospital care, accommodation, missed flights, etc).
Track Conditions & Fitness Requirements Our walks are neither easy nor difficult as each walker will have a different experience/expectation depending upon previous experience and fitness level. They are a challenge which people of all ages and abilities will relish. To enjoy your experience, you need to be able to carry your backpack (5-7kg/10-14lbs) for 4-8 hours over 10-21km (6-13miles) of sometimes uneven track each day. We encourage everyone to walk at their own pace, it is not a race and we want you to enjoy it. There is no pressure to keep up with the fastest walkers and there is always a guide at the rear of the group. The track surface varies from smooth, well formed paths to rough terrain broken by rocks & tree roots. There are steep rocky downhill sections and you may have to cross small streams and wade in deep water after heavy rain. We recommend that you wear hiking boots, which provide firm ankle support. Walking poles are also recommended and available for hire. A reasonable level of fitness is required and if you are not a regular walker, we suggest that you begin a daily walking regime 6-8 weeks prior to departure. Gradually increase the distance that you walk, carrying a backpack. Staircase or hillclimbing will leave you better prepared. The minimum age is 10 years. If you are over 70 years, it is advised to consult a doctor to check your physical fitness.
ULTIMATE HIKES CENTRE LOCATION QUEENSTOWN
hikes.co.nz
te www.ultima