O termo tramping, usado na Nova Zelândia, significa caminhar (mesmo que hiking, rambling, trekking ou bush-walking, usados em outros países de língua inglesa). A palavra tramping originou-se de uma palavra alemã que significa caminhar vigorosamente (Shaun Barnett & Chris Maclean, Tramping – A New Zealand History).

A Nova Zelândia tem 9 grandes caminhadas (veja aqui: http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/great-walks-summary.pdf) e a Te Aroha que vai desde o ponto mais norte da ilha norte (Cape Reinga) até o ponto mais sul da ilha do sul (Bluff). As grandes caminhadas da Nova Zelândia são internacionalmente conhecidas e por isso você encontra mais estrangeiros e cabanas são mais caras.

Department of Conservation e Tramping Clubs

O Departamento de Conservação da Nova Zelândia é uma organização governamental que cuida dos parques nacionais (13 parques) e parques florestais (19 parques) do país. É responsável por administrar as terras,  os animais e as cabanas dos parques.

Os Clubes de Tramping nada mais são do que um grupo de pessoas que amam as montanhas e se juntaram para organizarem caminhadas, construir e/ou fazer a manutenção de cabanas e conservação de trilhas.

As cabanas

Existem mais de 950 cabanas públicas espalhadas por todos os parques florestais e nacionais da Nova Zelândia. Algumas delas são pagas para passar a noite. Os preços variam bastante, vai de $5 até $54 por noite. As cabanas mais caras estão nas grandes caminhadas da Nova Zelândia, por motivos óbvios. Outras cabanas são gratuitas.

O ticket pode ser comprado no DOC (Department of Conservation) e ele é depositado numa caixinha dentro da cabana. Tem a opção de comprar o Hut Pass que é um passe livre para todas cabanas do país no período de seis meses ou um ano. Você pode ver os preços nesse site: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/stay-in-a-hut/booking-and-paying/

Tem cabanas de todos os tamanhos, formatos e cores diferentes. Há cabanas bem grandes que cabem mais de 25 pessoas, outras que só cabem duas pessoas. As cabanas possuem colchões e depósito com água da chuva, mas nem todas possuem lareira ou a lareira pode não ser muito boa. Algumas estão bem equipadas com fogões a gás, varal, pia, velas, mesas, bancos e reservatório de carne (services huts). Você pode encontrar coisas que as pessoas deixam para ajudar os próximos que passarão por ali, como: fósforo, velas, papéis para queimar, madeira para lareira, caneta,  talheres, etc.

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De um modo geral, a distância estre as cabanas, em média, é de 2 horas, ou seja, se você está numa cabana a caminhada é de 2 horas, mais ou menos, para chegar em uma outra. As cabanas que estão perto das entradas dos parques e aquelas nas trilhas das grandes caminhadas são as mais populares.

Há cabanas em lugares inóspitos que dificilmente você encontrará alguém, elas estão há mais de 8 horas de caminhada e você passa por outras cabanas para chegar lá. Geralmente, é uma caminhada de dias. Essas viagens são divididas em etapas que você descansa nas cabanas no meio do caminho até chegar na cabana do seu destino. Porém, há experientes  que vão para esses lugares em um único dia.

The trampers

You’ll see people of all ages on the trails. The Great Walks attract many international visitors, while lesser-known tracks are frequented mostly by locals.

Two groups stand out: Children – They are incredibly independent, and they never seem to feel the cold! Even in freezing temperatures, you’ll see them running around in shorts, t-shirts, and barefoot.

Elderly trampers – Many hike solo, even for days at a time. Some are over 75 years old! You’ll also see groups of older friends tramping together. On long weekends, trails can get busy, with over 30 people passing through some huts. Bringing a tent in case the huts are full is always a good idea.

One of the most famous circuits, aside from the Great Walks, is the Mt. Holdsworth – Jumbo Circuit (24 km) in Tararua Forest Park. Some people complete it as a trail run in just one morning! It passes by three huts and features steep climbs.

Toilets

Every hut has a toilet. Typically, it’s a basic shelter with a deep hole and a toilet seat on top. Sometimes there’s toilet paper left behind by previous users; other times, you’ll need to bring your own. You might even find insect repellent inside.

I call these toilets “black holes”! Imagine the feeling of hovering over a dark, smelly abyss… I always picture something emerging from the depths, haha.

And if nature calls while you’re on the trail… well, you just have to improvise!

Weather and Gear

Mountain weather is unpredictable. Always, always, always carry warm and waterproof clothing, even in summer. Weather forecasts in New Zealand are generally accurate, but conditions can change rapidly at high altitudes. There have been rare cases of hikers who didn’t survive sudden weather changes.

The gear you pack depends on the length of your tramp, but generally, you should only carry the essentials: Just enough food for your trip A lightweight down jacket A waterproof jacket Hiking clothes + a dry change of clothes Socks, a beanie, gloves A water bottle Sunscreen A rubbish bag (to carry out your trash) Cooking equipment A Swiss Army knife A tent (if planning to camp) Sleeping mat (optional) Sleeping bag And, if possible… chocolate! You’ll need the energy.

Trail Difficulty Levels

 Tracks are classified as easy, moderate, advanced, and expert:

Easy and moderate tracks are well-marked and popular. Advanced tracks involve steep climbs and less-defined trails. In some sections, you can only recognize the trail by the compacted ground. Expert tracks are for experienced trampers only. You need excellent navigation skills, a compass, and a GPS. These hikes last several days, requiring preparation for all weather conditions and a deep understanding of the terrain.

For trail maps, hut details, and other essential info, check: DOC Website.

Wildlife

There are no dangerous animals in New Zealand’s forests. This always amuses me because the landscapes look like movie sets—almost too perfect, with no predators lurking around! Of course, there is some wildlife:

Plenty of birds Deer (which flee at the sight of humans, except during mating season when males can be aggressive) Wild pigs Possums (a pest in New Zealand) Non-venomous spiders.

Dogs

Many trampers bring their dogs along. Some even carry backpacks, like Flow, our little hiking companion. Dogs love being in the forest! However, certain areas prohibit them due to poison traps for possums.

Dogs aren’t allowed inside huts, but some hikers bring them in with the group’s permission.

Overall, it’s a fantastic workout for them, and they get just as excited about the adventure as we do.

Why to go tramping?

So why do people willingly hike for hours (or days), sleep in huts, endure rough conditions, carry heavy packs, and eat dehydrated food?

Because being in nature means being in touch with something greater—a deep sense of peace. Walking in the wilderness is like meditation; your mind clears, and you focus only on the present moment. Plus, the landscapes, sunrises, and sunsets make every hardship worth it.

That’s it, folks! Hope you enjoyed this post. Leave your thoughts in the comments—questions, ideas, suggestions, and feedback are always welcome.

With gratitude,

Cha♥