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Outdoor guides

Practical advice for the campsite, the trail and the journey in between.

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10 guides

  • Historic gun emplacements on the grassy coastal cliffs at Godley Head near Christchurch.
    Area context · Photo: Fraser Rudman / Department of Conservation · CC BY 4.0

    Godley Head, one of the walking areas compared in this guide. This photograph does not show Halswell Quarry or establish current track access.

    Photo: Fraser Rudman / Department of Conservation / CC BY 4.0 / Details

    Canterbury · Regional guides

    Christchurch Walks: Halswell Quarry or Godley Head?

    Compare a short Halswell Quarry circuit with the longer Godley Head coastal walk, including terrain, dogs, access questions and planning priorities.

  • A tent pad among ferns and trees at Lake Mackenzie Campsite on the Routeburn Track.
    Photo: Department of Conservation (NZ) · CC BY 4.0

    A tent site at Lake Mackenzie Campsite on the Routeburn Track, one example of Great Walk accommodation. Facilities and availability must be checked with DOC.

    Photo: Department of Conservation (NZ) / CC BY 4.0 / Details

    New Zealand · Hiking skills & planning

    Great Walks NZ Booking Guide: DOC Hut Bookings, Prices and Refunds for 2026/27

    How DOC Great Walks bookings work: 2026/27 opening dates, the virtual queue, NZ vs international hut prices, cancellation fees, 2027/28 and all 11 Great Walks.

  • A rocky, root-lined bend beneath pine trees on Queenstown Hill Track.
    Illustrative photograph · Photo: Esaias Tan · Unsplash License

    A forested bend on Queenstown Hill Track, with exposed roots and stones underfoot. Archive photo published in 2025. Uneven-footing illustration for family route assessment, not a recommendation of this track for children, buggies or carriers. No family is pictured.

    Photo: Esaias Tan / Unsplash License / Details

    New Zealand · Hiking skills & planning

    Hiking with Children in New Zealand

    Plan a New Zealand family walk around each child's ability, current track conditions, adult supervision and a flexible return plan, with a practical checklist.

  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.
    Illustrative photograph · Photo: Cody Black · Unsplash License

    A backpack carried outdoors; location unverified. This is not a retailer or current-stock photograph.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details

    New Zealand · Hiking skills & planning

    Beginner Hiking in New Zealand: Getting Started

    Start hiking in New Zealand with a manageable walk, a shared plan and the right essentials. Learn the habits to practise before moving on to harder trips.

  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.
    Illustrative photograph · Photo: Cody Black · Unsplash License

    A backpack carried outdoors; location unverified. This is not a retailer or current-stock photograph.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details

    New Zealand · Hiking skills & planning

    Choosing a Walking Track in New Zealand

    Choose a New Zealand walking track by comparing its grade, terrain, weather exposure and logistics with your group's skills, fitness and confidence.

  • A walker seen from behind carrying a grey and orange backpack, with hills in the background.
    Illustrative photograph · Photo: Cody Black · Unsplash License

    A backpack carried outdoors; location unverified. This is not a retailer or current-stock photograph.

    Photo: Cody Black / Unsplash License / Details

    New Zealand · Hiking skills & planning

    Day Hike Packing List for New Zealand

    Pack for a New Zealand day hike with weather clothing, food, water, navigation and emergency essentials, then adapt the list to your route and group.

  • A shared metal bench, wooden seating and wood burner inside a backcountry hut.
    Illustrative photograph · Photo: Department of Conservation · CC BY 4.0

    Shared space inside Top Kokatahi Hut, New Zealand, not a Great Walk hut. Facilities may have changed since this photograph.

    Photo: Department of Conservation / CC BY 4.0 / Details

    New Zealand · Hiking skills & planning

    Hut Etiquette in New Zealand: A First-Stay Guide

    Prepare for a shared DOC hut stay with clear booking checks, considerate bunkroom habits, safe cooking, useful hut-book entries and a tidy departure.