If you were keen on walking the Milford track this year or next- it's too late. Tickets went on sale, and they sold out in less than 30 minutes.
While the rock star walks book out quickly, there are thousands of places in Aotearoa you can go for a hīkoi.
Tim Bamford from the Department of Conservation talks to Jesse about other tracks on offer.
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“Kiwis are excited for the summer ahead,” he says.
If you’re really keen on the Milford track, there’s still a private operator that runs a lodge which has space to take people, Bamford says. The walk is guided, and they look after all safety elements for you.
“That’s another great option for people who want to walk the Milford but missed out. It’s pretty luxurious and a pretty nice way to experience the outdoors.”
The Kepler track, on sale 17 June, is the second most popular walk.
“The well being benefits, getting out there with your family or friends, having a few days away from the cellphone and seeing some awesome wildlife and walking the Milford and these other tracks...it’s really cool to see some awesome landscapes that you wouldn’t see when you’re sitting in your office.”
It’s fantastic to see how many Kiwis want to get out and about, he says.
Cellphone reception is very patchy on these tracks and it’s important to let someone know where you’re going and to take a personal location beacon which you can rent from a local tramping shop.
Another popular track, on Stewart Island is the Rākiura Track.
“Last year there were stories of someone having a little sleep in a wool shed there and waking up having a kiwi walk over him. It’s a really great place [with a] chance to run into a kiwi and it’s just fantastic down that part, southern New Zealand.”
There are definitely muddy parts of the track which Bramford says will be upgraded.
Hump Ridge Track. Photo: Supplied/DOC.
The Great Walk in Fiordland is being developed but this track already exists as a private walk. It’s a 3-day loop through sub-alpine and rugged coastline.
Outside of the Great Walks there’s a range of experiences that aren’t only multi-day walks, Bramford says.
In Wellington this one’s 5.2km one way. That’s about 2 hours to walk and it takes you through forests and swimming holes.
A favourite for Bramford, this is a moderately demanding tramp in Otago.
“A nice part of the world, you get cool alpine landscape and great rainforests in there but there’s a whole range of great multi-day walks out there.”
Photo: RNZ / Conan Young
On the West Coast, this track is phenomenal, Bramford says. It takes you through alpine and coastal vegetation. It’s a four day walk but also open to mountain bikers.
Wheelchair accessible tracks
For those in a wheelchair, there are 50 walks currently wheelchair accessible, and DOC is focused on growing this number, Bramford says.
A trial of all-terrain wheelchair access has been taking place on the Abel Tasman.