MILFORD TRACK (4 Full Days)

Milford Track

  The Milford Track (53.5 kilometres) is in the heart of spectacular Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area and is administered by DOC on behalf of the New Zealand public.

You can walk the track independently or as part of a guided group. Ultimate Hikes hold the only DOC approved concession for overnight guided walks on the Milford Track during the peak walking season.

Located in the southwest of the South Island, the track starts at the head of Lake Te Anau and finishes at Milford Sound. Te Anau, the nearest township has a full range of accommodation, shopping and hire services.
FEES: This is the MOST Expensive in New Zealand!!

Fees must be paid before you start the track.
If you are considering walking the track during the off-peak season please read the winter walking information.

	Peak season - booking required.		Off-peak - booking not required.
	Adults (18+ yrs)	Youth/child* (0-17 yrs)	Adults (18+ yrs)	Youth/child* (0-17 yrs)
Huts (all three)	$153.30	Free (booking required)	$15.30 per hut	Free (booking required)

Getting there

The Milford Track (53.5 kilometres) is in the heart of spectacular Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, situated in the South Island of New Zealand.
The Milford Track requires boat transport at both ends of the track. Bus or private transport is required to Te Anau Downs and also from Milford Sound.
During the summer there are regular transport services to and from the track.

 Road distances and times

• Te Anau to Te Anau Downs - (27km) 30 minutes
• Milford Sound to Te Anau - (120km) 2 hours
• Milford Sound to Divide - (35km) 30minutes
• Queenstown to Te Anau - (197 km) 2 hours
• Invercargill to Te Anau - 1 hour 45mins 

Track description

The track is marked with “Mile Posts” and there are very good guide books giving detailed information on a mile by mile basis, available from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre.
Times are approximate and will vary according to fitness, pace of the group and weather conditions. Each evening DOC staff at the huts will give a safety briefing talk.

Day one, Glade wharf - Clinton hut

Time: 1 - 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 5 km
After a launch cruise from Te Anau Downs (1¼ hours approx) there is a one kilometre walk to Glade House, the first overnight stop for guided walkers. Just past Glade House is the largest and the first of the nine suspension bridges you will encounter on your trip. On a fine day this is a pleasant lunch stop.
Independent walkers continue on the track for about one hour, through attractive beech forest along the banks of the Clinton River, to the Clinton Hut. There are good swimming holes near the hut and a side trip around the wetland board walk.
Guided interpretation trips may be available during the late afternoon, depending on the track staff’s commitments.
During the booked walking season the first night must be spent at Clinton Hut, as the previous day’s walkers will be at the next hut at Mintaro.

Day two, Clinton hut - Mintaro hut

Time:  6 hr
Distance: 16.5 km
It is a gradual climb from Clinton Hut as the track follows the Clinton River to its source, Lake Mintaro, at the base of Mackinnon Pass. It passes through sections of forest and crosses many streams, which may need to be forded during or after heavy rain.
The track passes through many avalanche paths. There are 56 such paths along the track which can cause delays or make the track impassable at any time, especially during the September to early November period. These are sign posted during the danger season. Use caution at other times as dictated by the weather.
An hour from Clinton Hut you reach the Clinton Forks. The toilet located there is all that remains of what was once the first night’s stop for Independent Walkers. The changing course of the river eroded the site.
About 40 minutes further on is a large slip, which occurred in 1982, forming a lake behind it. From here to Hirere Falls (about 20 minutes) the track is prone to flooding during heavy rain. There is a toilet at the Hirere Falls Guided-Walk Shelter. Not far from this point you will get your first view of the Mackinnon Pass and the Pompolona ice field.
It is about an hours walk from Hirere Falls to Marlenes Creek, which can cause problems during heavy rain. The Bus Stop Shelter is located just before the creek and a toilet is located just past the creek.
After passing the turnoff to the guided walks Pompolona Hut, there is a short climb before descending to cross a swingbridge. It is approximately 1½ hours from here to the Mintaro Hut. The vegetation starts to change, reflecting the higher altitude and rainfall. After re-entering the bush it is approximately 40 minutes to Mintaro Hut. Walkers must stay here the second night during the Great Walks Peak Season.

Day three, Mintaro hut - Dumpling hut

Time:  6 - 7 hr
Distance: 14 km From Mintaro Hut there is a well-graded, steady, zigzag climb of about two hours to the Mackinnon Memorial. On the way there are excellent views of Lake Mintaro and the Clinton Canyon. It is worth stopping for a few minutes at the memorial to take in the view from the 12 second drop, before commencing the final climb to the highest point of the track and The Pass Day Shelter (1069 metres).
It is about a twenty minute walk from the memorial to the shelter. The toilet with the best view in Fiordland is located near the shelter. The shelter is supplied with a gas-cooking ring during the summer season.
The 8 km walk from the pass to the Dumpling Hut drops 970 metres steadily over rocky, uneven terrain and provides spectacular views. For many walkers this is the most difficult part of the track. Take regular five minute rests on the down hill section, your knees and ankles will be very grateful!
The Moraine Creek Bridge, the first bridge crossed on the descent, is approximately a third of the way down to Quintin Hut turnoff. Shortly after, the track follows the river, on which there are several waterfalls. This section of the track has wooden boardwalk and staircases in a number of places until it crosses the Roaring Burn swing bridge.
The track then continues to follow the river, with the Dudleigh Falls located about two thirds of the way down. A set of rocky and uneven zigzags leads to the bottom of the hill. From here you can turn left and cross the bridge to the public shelter, toilet and Sutherland Falls or turn right to Dumpling Hut.
The side trip to the Sutherland Falls is well worth the effort. Leave your pack at the Quintin Public Shelter and take the track on the left to the Sutherland Falls - about 1½ hours return. From the shelter it is about an hours walk to Dumpling Hut. There is an excellent view behind you of the Sutherland Falls, about 20 minutes along the track to the Dumpling Hut.
Just before reaching Dumpling Hut there is a raised boardwalk. After dark this is a good place to spot glow worms. A good swimming hole can be found just opposite the turnoff to the huts.

Day four, Dumpling hut - Sandfly point

Time:  5 hr 30 min - 6 hr
Distance: 18 km Most walkers will be feeling the effects of the previous day’s walk. In the main hut there is an excellent track time/place guide that is well worth noting. The track gently descends, following the Arthur River for about 1½ hours to the historic Boatshed. A toilet is located here.
After crossing the swingbridge, the second largest on the track and a good place to spot trout and eels, it is about 20 minutes to MacKay Falls and Bell Rock. Bell Rock is an intriguing rock, which has been worn by water and grinding stones and then tipped over in a rock fall. An hour further on the track crosses two suspension bridges at Poseidon Creek.
The rock cuttings alongside the Arthur River and around Lake Ada were blasted out by prison gangs and contracted work parties in the late 19th century. About an hour later are the Giant Gate Falls. There is a shelter and toilet located beside the river and falls, making it an ideal lunch stop.
From here it is about 1½ hours to Sandfly Point. Flooding can cause delays through this section of track. If the track is closed Department of Conservation Staff will notify walkers during the peak season.
During the Great Walks peak season you will need to leave Dumpling Hut between 8.00 am and 9.00 am, to meet with the boats departing at either 2.00 pm or 3.15 pm from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound. The boat crossing takes approximately 20 minutes.

Closest Towns:

Te Anau -   Milford Sound        

Routeburn Track (3/4 Full days)

Routeburn Track

 The Routeburn Track traverses 32 kilometres of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, part of Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area and is administered by the Department of Conservation on behalf of the New Zealand public.

Located in the southwest of the South Island the track extends between the head of Lake Wakatipu and S.H. 94, the Te Anau – Milford Road. The nearest townships of Queenstown, Te Anau and Glenorchy have a full range of accommodation. Shops in Queenstown and Te Anau can cater for all your tramping needs, including equipment hire.
You can walk the track independently or as part of a guided group. Ultimate Hikes hold the only DOC approved concession for overnight guided walks on the  Routeburn Track during the peak walking season.

 ENTRANCE  FEEES  (A bit expensive!!)

Peak season - booking required.		Off-peak - booking not required.
Adults (18+ yrs)	Youth/child* (0-17 yrs)	Adults (18+ yrs)	Youth/child* (0-17 yrs)
Hut	$51.10	Free (booking required)	$15.30	Free
Campsite	$15.30	Free (booking required)

Getting there

The Routeburn Track is located in the southwest of the South Island. It extends between the head of Lake Wakatipu and S.H. 94, the Te Anau - Milford Road. The nearest townships of Queenstown, Te Anau and Glenorchy have a full range of accommodation. Shops in Queenstown and Te Anau can cater for all your tramping needs, including equipment hire. The Routeburn Track can be accessed by road at either the Routeburn Shelter (the starting or finishing point at the Mount Aspiring National Park end of the track), or at the Divide (the starting or finishing point at the Fiordland National Park end of the track).

Road distances and times:

• Queenstown to Glenorchy - 48km, 40 mins
• Glenorchy to Routeburn Shelter - 25km,
  30 mins (unsealed road)

Track description

The Routeburn Track can be walked in either direction (the following description is from east to west). Times are approximate and will vary according to fitness, weather and direction of travel. Overnight use of the Harris Saddle day shelter and other track shelters is not permitted.
The Routeburn Track can be linked with the Greenstone or Caples Tracks. These tracks are rough and uneven in places and delays can be caused due to flooding. There is no guarantee of obtaining a bunk in these huts as there is no booking system for these backcountry tracks. Hut tickets must be purchased in advanced and gas cookers are required. View the Greenstone and Caples Tracks guide for more information.

Routeburn Shelter to Routeburn Flats Hut

Time: 1.5 – 2 hr
Distance: 6.5 km From the car park at the Routeburn shelter (458 metres) cross the swing bridge to the well formed, easy graded track. Take care crossing the Serpentine Slip five minutes from the start of the track, especially after heavy rain. Past Sugarloaf Stream the track is a remnant of the old bridle path built in the 1870s and climbs directly to Bridal Veil Stream. It then sidles above the Routeburn Gorge.

Routeburn Flats Hut to Routeburn Falls Hut

Time: 1 – 1.5 hr
Distance: 2.3 km

Routeburn Falls Hut to Mackenzie Hut

Time: 4.5 – 6 hr
Distance: 11.3 km

Mackenzie Hut to Howden Hut

Time: 3 -– 4 hr
Distance: 8.6 km

Howden Hut to The Divide

Time: 1 – 1.5 hr
Distance: 3.4 km

MOUNT COOK (4 full days)

Activities in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

 

Ball Pass Crossing

My MAP Project Clich Here 

 Ball Pass Crossing is a demanding two to three-day alpine route, crossing the Mount Cook Range between the Hooker and Tasman Valleys. The route provides spectacular views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Mt Sefton, the Copland Pass and the Hooker and Tasman Glaciers.

The trip can be started from either valley but, for safety reasons and in order to gain the best views, the recommended route is to start at the White Horse Hill camping area and travel up the East Hooker, over Ball Pass (sidling around under Mounts Rosa and Mabel) and down the Ball Ridge to the Tasman Valley and Ball Shelter.

Track description

Whitehorse Hill carpark to East Hooker valley camping site

Time: 3 – 4 hr From the carpark follow the Hooker Valley Track to the second swingbridge. Don’t cross this; instead, sidle around on the true left of the Hooker River across the scree slope. Once across the shingle follow the cairned route up the East Hooker valley to the large shingle fan opposite the Hooker Hut and Copland Gut (both in the West Hooker valley). There is good camping available at this shingle fan.

East Hooker valley camping site to the "playing field"

Time: 1.5 hr
From the shingle fan, follow the distinct gully to the north-east. This is snow-filled in Spring. The gully leads to a large shoulder or flat area below Mt Mabel known as the "playing field". This is an ideal camping site. Water or snow melt is often available near the top of the gully. Poo pots are essential for this site.

"Playing field" to Ball Pass

Time: 4 hr
From the "playing fields" ascend the shingle slopes to the east. These slopes form a large Z between bluffs. Once on top of the Z, follow an exposed ledge to the north, to a small shoulder on the ridge north-west of Mt Mabel. There is often a cairn to mark this spot, but be mindful that cairns can be destroyed in winter by avalanches and are not always in place. This is one of the few routes through the bluffs and it is important to gain this point sufficiently high enough.
Traverse from this point in a northerly direction across rock slabs and then descend around the spur, west of Mt Rosa. Once past Mt Rosa ascend the shingle slope (this may be a snow field at certain times of the year) in a north-easterly direction to Ball Pass.

Ball Pass to Caroline Hut 

Time: 2 hr After crossing Ball Pass and taking time to enjoy the views, descend Ball Glacier for approximately 60–70 m (200 feet) before turning south to gain Ball Ridge. Descend Ball Ridge to Caroline Hut.

Caroline Hut to Ball Flat

Time: 2 hr
A good camping site is available 750 m north-east of Caroline Hut at the end of the flat section of Ball Ridge. From this point descend several rock steps, more or less following the ridge crest. Two difficult sections can be avoided by turning around to the eastern side. Follow the track marks and cairns to the level part of the track on the narrow ridge line. Do not follow the historic track further along, as slips have made it impassable. At the last cairn descend the boulder scree to the east and pick up the route through alpine scrub. Follow the road and cut track to slips and boulder scree that lead to the old Ball Hut site and over to Ball Flat.

Ball Flat to Blue Lakes carpark

Time: 2 – 3 hr From Ball Flat head down the Tasman valley following the old Ball Hut road. The road has slumped in several places and climbers need to scramble up and down the moraine to regain the track.
Keep to the track and do not be tempted to go down the moraine wall to the glacier. Loose rock makes this particularly dangerous. Once on flat simply wander down grassy terrace to Ball Flat. Leaving Ball Flat, follow the obvious track to Husky Flat, which changes to a 4WD track down to Blue Lakes carpark. It is an eight-kilometre road drive from the carpark back to Aoraki/Mt Cook village.

CLOSEST CITY: AORAKI

Mueller Hut Route

Mueller Hut makes a mountain experience possible for anybody with moderate tramping ability, so long as care is taken.
At 1800 metres on the Sealy Range (nearly half as high as Aoraki/Mount Cook’s summit), the hut provides a 360-degree panorama encompassing glaciers, ice cliffs, vertical rock faces and New Zealand’s highest peaks. It’s a great site for hearing and viewing ice falls, alpine sunrises and equally unforgettable sunsets.
Climbing to the hut through alpine scrub, herb fields and scree slopes can be an achievement in itself, or the start of further opportunities for the more experienced. Whatever the aim, careful adherence to these instructions will help make your trip safe and memorable.
Distance 5.2 Km

Heaphy Track (5 full days)

The 82 kilometre track through Kahurangi National Park, connecting the Aorere Valley in Golden Bay with Karamea on the West Coast of the South Island, is a fantastic adventure for moderately fit people of all ages. It is usually covered in around five to six days.

Scenically, every day on the Heaphy Track is wonderfully different. You'll pass through ancient beech forests, expansive alpine tussock country, see giant rata trees, limestone caves and cliffs, cross broad rivers (all with sturdy bridges) and look out over rugged, densely forested mountains as far as the eye can see.

The huts are spaced evenly along the track. The longest distance between huts, excluding shelters is 17 kilometres between Brown Hut and Perry Saddle Hut. All huts except two have gas cooking facilities.

Bus Transport

Heaphy Track to Karamea (End of the Track)

Between Kohaihai at the western end of the track and Karamea, Brian from Karamea Transport operates a pick up/drop off service for $14 per head on scheduled daily trips at 9.30 and 1.30, but is happy to pick up trampers outside these times (minimum charge $40)
For more information or to make a booking, call (03) 7826 667.
Brian is based at Rongo Backpackers and Gallery (guests here receive a $2 discount) but is happy to transport trampers to other accommodation businesses in Karamea.

 The TRACK:

Brown Hut to Perry Saddle Hut

Time: 5 hr
Distance: 17.5 km

Perry Saddle to Gouland Downs Hut

Time: 2 hr
Distance: 7 km

Gouland Downs Hut to Saxon Hut

Time: 1 hr 30 min
Distance: 5.4 km

Saxon Hut to James Mackay Hut

Time: 3 hr
Distance: 11.8 km

James Mackay Hut to Lewis Hut

Time: 3 hr 30 min
Distance: 12.5 km

Lewis Hut to Heaphy Hut

Time: 2 hr 30 min
Distance: 8 km

Heaphy Hut to Kohaihai River Mouth

Time: 5 hr
Distance: 16.2 km

FEES  per person per day:   BOOK  Online
Booking required all year for
adults, children and youth
Adults Hut Ticket $30.60  Campsite Ticket $12.20

MORE INFO     OFFICIAL SITE

New Zealand Hikings...The Organization DOESN'T look good!

Yep....I hope I am wrong but I sent and Several e.mails to the Information Offices of the Parks and: Westland Park and Arthur's Pass replied with just some links!!!...I guess they have a lot of work...;o)

Then I wrote to the GREAT WALKS Office Information...ok...On Summer we should Book in advance to visit the parks (and that's really bad) but anyway I live 20.000 Km away from New Zealand so how can I know when I'll be next to Fiordland or Abel Tasman or anywhere else so in advance?....Some of them are also VERY Expensive (Fiordland for example costs 115€ !!!)  so I would like some better information and answers.

I asked that and that's what they replied!!! (No comment!!!)

Hello
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the Milford, Kepler or Routeburn Track.
Bookings for these tracks are required between late October and the end of April each year. (I knew that and for this reason I sent them an e.mail!!) Outside these times (winter season) Backcountry Hut tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass are required as payment to stay in the Huts and walkers must be totally self sufficient (So we pay 115€ and you don't provide anything and we also must book in advance and if the bus is late and we arrive later what happen?...Do we lose our money??) .

Full information on the tracks, including what to take, track guide, availability of Huts and Campsites and costs can be found on our website(Again an answear using some links!!!)
Milford Track - www.doc.govt.nz/milfordtrack
Kepler Track - www.doc.govt.nz/keplertrack
Routeburn Track - www.doc.govt.nz/routeburntrack
Bookings for the 2010/11 season are currently open. Bookings for the 2011/12 season will open on Tuesday 13th of July 2010
Bookings can be made and paid for online from the above track information webpages or by sending the following details to this office
Name and address of contact person
Email address of contact person
Names, ages, gender and Nationality of all walkers
The date and the names of the huts or campsites you wish to stay. Please give an alternative date in case your first choice is fully booked. (Yes but as I asked I cannot know in advance when I'll be able to get each park so...what happens if I book 1 date and because of the buses or any other reason I arrive later or before?)
Payment - we accept Visa or Mastercard. For your own security we do not recommend sending credit card numbers and expiry dates via email. (Yes...the Payment is the only srute thing and it looks also the most important one ;o)!)
If you require more information please get back to me. (I have already done it right now ...so...we'll see what other answer you'll give me, dear Denise ;o)

Regards
Denise

GREAT WALKS New Zealand and Tickets

OFFICIAL PDF - 2010/2011 Season

Seasons
Peak season is from 1 October to 30 April (summer) but
these dates may vary in some places, or be delayed by
snow or avalanche conditions.
Off-peak season is from 1 May to 30 September (winter)
Fees
٭ Fees are charged per person per night.
٭ Great Walk Tickets are required for the use of all huts and campsites. Tickets must be purchased
before you set out on a walk. You may need to make a booking for the huts and campsites on some
Great Walk tracks. You can do this via www.doc.govt.nz or at DOC visitor centres. Penalty fees of up
to double the standard fee apply if pre-purchases of Tickets are not made. Note that while there are
no fees for youth, children and infants, bookings are still required.
٭ From 1 July 2008 youth and children may stay at huts and campsites free of charge. Note that
bookings are still required.
٭ Off-peak season the Backcountry Hut Pass and Backcountry Hut Tickets can be used in many huts.
The fee Backcountry Hut Pass (valid for up to 12-months) is Adults $90.00.
٭ Please observe maximum stay periods. Peak, 2 nights at huts or campsites; off-peak 3 nights at
huts, 5 at campsites (except Milford, Abel Tasman and Heaphy Tracks). Camp only where permitted.
٭ The provision of hut and campsite facilities and services are heavily subsidised. Fees levied for the
use of huts and campsites make a small but valuable contribution towards their maintenance.
Limited discounts are available for members of approved ‘Recreation Associate’ organisations.
Bookings
• Required peak season only for Milford huts, Routeburn and Kepler track huts and campsites.
Bookings open mid July each year.
• Required all year for Lake Waikaremoana, Abel Tasman and Heaphy Track huts and campsites.
• Not required for Whanganui Journey, Tongariro Northern Circuit and Rakiura Track huts and
campsites.
Book via www.doc.govt.nz , greatwalksbookings@doc.govt.nz or DOC visitor centres. Note booking fees apply

The best-known NZ hiking trails are known as New Zealand’s Great Walks and they give visitors access to some of New Zealand’s most pristine corners.

Administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC), these trails lead through New Zealand’s national parks and UNESCO World Heritage areas and are maintained to a high standard. Many require advance bookings.
1. Abel Tasman Coast Track
Perhaps the most gentle of the Great Walks, this 51-kilometre coastal track introduces walkers to an intriguing blend of forest and sandy beaches. View map
2. Heaphy Track
This popular track passes through a range of landscapes in Kahurangi National Park, from tussock land to West Coast rainforest. View map
3. Kepler Track
Located in Fiordland National Park, this 60-kilometre track offers a varied landscape of forest, alpine areas and a glacial valleys, and can be walked in three to four days. View map
4. Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk
Discover the varied beauty of Te Urewera National Park on a three- to four-day walk through dense rainforest along the lake edge. View map
5. Milford Track
New Zealand’s most widely known walk, located in Fiordland National Park where forested valleys abound. View map
6. Rakiura Track
Located on Stewart Island, in New Zealand’s newest national park, this coastal track can be walked in three days. View map
7. Routeburn Track
This popular track links Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, passing waterfalls, forest and lakes along the way. View map
8. Tongariro Northern Circuit
Passes through an unforgettable range of volcanic landscapes. View map
9. Whanganui Journey
Travelled by canoe rather than by foot, the Whanganui Journey is grouped with the Great Walks due to its significance as a national treasure. View map

LINK

Abel Tasman National Park

This one should be the second trek in my list.

Location

At 22,530 hectares Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest national park. It is located at the top of the South Island; the nearest towns are Motueka, Takaka and Kaiteriteri

About 

The most noticeable features of this park are the golden sandy beaches, the fascinating rocky outcrops (mainly granite but with a scattering of limestone and marble) and the rich, unmodified estuaries. The landscape has been modified, perhaps more than in our other national parks. The vegetation cover varies and reflects a history of fires and land clearance, but the forests are regenerating well especially in damp gullies where a rich variety of plants can be found. Black beech dominates the drier ridges. 


ACTIVITIES:

Tracks and walks

There are two options for those with a few days to spare and the desire to explore: the Coast Track and the Inland Track through the hilly centre of the park. The Coast Track is the easier and is one of New Zealand's Great Walks.

I'll have a lot to hike in New Zealand so I think I'll take 2 days rest to visit in day trips the Abel Tasman so I won't get the Coast track. Anyway here some information I found about this track
There is no charge for day walks. 
(Abel Tasman Coast Track)

Getting there

Private transport

The Inland Track has road access at several points:
Marahau, the southern gateway, is 67 km from Nelson.
To reach the northern end or Pigeon Saddle (on the Totaranui Road), follow State Highway 60 over Takaka Hill to Takaka (107 km from Nelson). Turn right upon entering Takaka; from there it is 23 km to Wainui car park, 24 km to Pigeon Saddle and 32 km to Totaranui.

Public transport

Regular high season bus services provide access to Marahau, Totaranui, Pigeon Saddle and Wainui.
On-demand taxi services are available at Motueka and Takaka.
Boat services from Kaiteriteri and Marahau provide access to Totaranui

A Back Country Hut Pass or Backcountry Hut Tickets are required to stay in the huts along or near the track. These must be purchased before you begin your trip and are available from DOC offices, visitor centres and some sports shops throughout New Zealand. Heating is provided in the huts, but there are no cooking facilities. Please use only dead firewood and carry your own cooking equipment.

Plan and prepare

• Safety: Weather in Abel Tasman National Park is generally mild but you should be prepared for high winds and heavy rain and carry spare warm clothes all year. Snow falls occasionally around Moa Park and upper Evans Ridge. Please use the visitor books in the huts. Always tell someone where you are going. Remember your safety is your responsibility.
• Rubbish: No rubbish facilities are provided; all rubbish must be carried out of the park.
• Giardia: Giardia has been found in some park waters. It can be removed from drinking water by boiling, chemical treatment or filtering.
• Water: There are few reliable water sources along the Inland Track, particularly along Evans Ridge and between Tinline Bay and Holyoake’s Clearing. Carry your own water supply.

PLACES to STAY 

Note: Campsite Ticket can be upgraded to a Hut Ticket after 6pm if space is available and a hut
fee is paid.
Booking required all year
Adults,
Hut Ticket $35.70 - Campsite Ticket (max 2 nights
except Totaranui which is 1) $12.20

1 New Zealand dollar = 0.558 Euros

Fees

٭ Fees are charged per person per night.
٭ Great Walk Tickets are required for the use of all huts and campsites. Tickets must be purchased
before you set out on a walk. You may need to make a booking for the huts and campsites on some
Great Walk tracks. You can do this via www.doc.govt.nz or at DOC visitor centres. Penalty fees of up
to double the standard fee apply if pre-purchases of Tickets are not made.

Sto studiando i trekking - Still studying the trekkings

The First Trek should be the:

Tongariro National Park

Location

 

Tongariro National Park is located in the central North Island of New Zealand. It is the closest national park to Auckland, New Zealands largest city, and is very accessible from State Highway 1. The nearest towns are Turangi, National Park and Ohakune. 

I think I'll do the  TONGARIRO Alpine CROSSING - About 19 Km

In this way I don't have to book in advance the Great Walk Ticket cause I really don't know yet when I'll be there.

The weather in the Tongariro National Park can change very quickly, it is essential that you are prepared for all conditions.

• Food and plenty of fluid, especially on hot days and if you are going to do any of the summit’s you will need extra water.
• Rainproof coat and over trousers
• Strong sturdy boots (You will be trekking on uneven volcanic terrain)
• Warm woolen or polypropylene clothing
• Sun protection
• Personal first aid kit
• Map and compass 

It is recommended that you take transport to the beginning of the track so operators know when to expect you off the mountain.. STARTING POINT: Mangatepopo - ARRIVAL POINT: Ketetahi

Campsites:

Fees

$4.00 adult/night, $2.00 child/night (5-17 years), under 5 free

 The Whakapapa Visitor Centre is situated at the main gateway to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first national park and presently attracting in excess of one million visitors per annum.

The opening hours for the Centre are:

• Summer: 8.00 am to 6.00 pm in the summer (November – March)
• Winter: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm in the winter (April – October) 

A 24 hour emergency helpline can be accessed from a phone in the foyer. 
TONGARIRO Crossing spans

The crossing spans the length of Mt Tongariro (18.5 Kilometres) and takes about 7-9 hours.  You start from the Mangatepopo Valley and walk over towards the Ketetahi road end as this will minimise the climbing involved.  You need to arrange transport to the begining of the trek and pick from the end of the day with your accommodation provider in National Park Village.

Summit Side Trips on the Tongariro Crossing 

Mt Ngauruhoe 2287m
allow 1-2 hours up and 30 minutes down(from the saddle)
If you want to climb Mt Ngauruhoe and complete the Crossing in one day - ensure you allow plenty of times as this is a strenuous side trip. 

From South Crater a poled route leads over to the base of Ngauruhoe.  Look for the old lava flow or the rocky ridge to the left of the scree slopes.Then pick your own route up. The summit area can be dangerous and should be avoided if there are any signs of volcanic activity.  The descent can be made relatively quickly but it is easy to lose control on the free-flowing scree.

 Mt Tongariro 1967m

From Red Crater follow the poled route to the summit of Mt Tongariro.   It follows a ridge that can be cold and exposed in poor conditions, so ensure you have plenty of time and a beautiful day to really enjoy this side trip.
Allow 1and 1/2 -2 hours return


TRACK Description:

This description details the trek from Mangatepopo through to Ketetahi. A full day is required (7-8 hours including rest stops). The track can be walked in the reverse direction but this requires more climbing so allow an extra hour. As this is not a round trip visitors will have to arrange transport to Mangatepopo roadend and back from Ketetahi roadend. Several local operators provide this service.
From the carpark at Mangatepopo Roadend, 6km off State Highway 47, the track makes its way up the Mangatepopo Valley. Thirty minutes from the carpark a side track on the left leads to Mangatepopo Hut. Continuing at a gentle gradient the main track climbs alongside a stream and around the edges of old lava flows.
The porous surface of new lava, its blacker colour absorbing much of the sun’s heat, is a harsh environment for plants. Simple colonising mosses and lichens are the first to establish followed years later by successively larger plants each taking advantage of the slow build up of precious soil. This succession of plant communities is evident on the lava flows of varying ages that have flowed from the crater of Ngauruhoe.

Mt Ruapehu Crater climb

Time:  

5 - 7 hr

Distance:  

7 - 10 km

On Mt Ruapehu amazing volcanic terrain is combined with permanent snow and glaciers to provide for a rare and beautiful climb. One of the highlights is a climb to the Ruapehu crater from where you can gaze down into the geothermal waters of the crater lake. On your way up and down take time to enjoy the truly spectacular views.

Alert/Important notice

The mountain has had its first heavy snowfall of the winter. Snow and ice now on Ruapehu to low levels – crampons and ice axe essential for climbing and backcountry travel on the mountain.

Mount Ruapehu

• Mount Ruapehu is an active volcano. 
• An eruption occurred on September 25th 2007.
• Climbers are advised that the area within 700 metres radius of the crater is a High Risk Zone. Mt Ruapehu Crater Hazard Map (PDF, 556K)
• The volcanic Alert is at Level 1. To view the latest information on the alert level, visit the website of GNS Science.
• Climbers approach this area at their own risk.
• Ice axe and crampons are essential.
• Check the avalanche report on avalanche.net.nz.
• Climbers must be well prepared with warm and windproof clothing and boots.  
• Do not climb in poor visibility or high winds.

Why New Zealand ?

...Yes...why New Zealand? At the begining I wanted to visit India (Himalaya side) but January/February is not the best period to get there....so....New Zealand was my choice for Hiking during January and February!

Nature and Landscapes make this place really great and all people from New Zealand I met during my life looked very nice so...That's why New Zealand... I'll try to make all the trekkings I'll be able to do considering I'll have just 35 days...

 This is the Interactive maps I made: New Zealand Interactive Planning Map