Clothing should be light, quick drying and warm, so woollen or polypropylene garments are recommended.
Essential Items
- Good quality, comfortable tramping boots
- Two sets of warm, weatherproof clothing
- Broad-brimmed sun hat and sunglasses
- Warm, waterproof raincoat
- Backpack with waterproof liner and cover
- Light, warm sleeping bag
- Hut or camp passes must be arranged prior to walking the track.
Passes can be purchased at DOC offices, i-SITEs, and visitor centres, or online at: www.DOC.govt.nz (booking fee may apply) - Water bottle
- Matches or lighter
- Things for eating and cooking: Cutlery, plastic plate, cup and cooking utensils
- Toilet Paper – there are toilets along the track, but it would take a brave (or forgetful) tramper to leave home without it.
- Pocket Knife
- Map
- First aid kit, with bandaids, insect repellent, aspirin,etc.
Essential Items for MTBers
- Spare tube
- Tyre repair kit
- Basic tool set
- Brake pads
- Helmet
Food Supplies
Food should be nutritious, light in weight, easy to cook, non-perishable and of high energy content.
Some good tramping foods: pasta, rice, couscous, cheese, salami, dried fruit, nuts, muesli, chocolate, some dehydrated and instant packaged foods such as soup and noodles.
Other Items to Consider
- Camera (there are a lot of incredible photo opportunities along the track)
- Earplugs (there may be some snorers in your hut)
- Torch, headlamp or candles (Perry, James Mackay & Heaphy huts have solar lighting, other huts do not and there are also caves along the track)
- MP3 / radio
- A good book
- Sunscreen
- DOC Heaphy Track brochure
- For campers: a sturdy weatherproof tent with rain fly, cooking stove and fuel
- Gas cooker (if you are camping, or intend to stay in huts without gas cookers such as Brown and Gouland Downs)
- Gloves
