71957771_2447483585528313_414271929529139200_n.jpg

What to Expect

This Trek will challenge you.

You will be exploring places that you may not be used to, with people from all walks of life. In addition to the physical challenge a week long trek presents, there will also be unexpected obstacles that you may face - such as Mother Nature!

If this is your first time on a Trek, it can be a bit daunting when you arrive - don’t be afraid to ask for help! The Camp will be signposted from the Friday, so keep an eye out for pink ribbons as you get close to the Start Camp. When you arrive at Start Camp, unload your horse in the signposted area (if you have a horse that is - please do not take them into camp) then head in, find a spot and set up your home away from home. Make your way to the Information area (which will be near the Marquee) to register and receive your welcome pack. Have a look around camp - the Marquee is the main hub and you will find everything nearby such as the Farout Showers, Spik n Span toilets, dishwashing area and ablutions area (please do not brush your teeth in the Toilets!), and the Medics (go have a chat to Simon and Ali if you think there is information they may need to know). Then relax until First Muster, which will be followed by dinner!

 
 

ARRIVAL DAY - usually a SATURDAY

If you are a Biker or a Walker you can go straight to the End Camp (address will be provided). This is where you will be leaving your vehicles while trekking for the week. Please park them neatly along the edges of the designated paddock and remember to pack your keys somewhere safe!

If you are transporting horses but are planning on dropping your vehicle off at the End Camp your best option is to come to the Start Camp on Friday evening. There will be NO facilities available so you will need to be self contained (toilet included) and supply your own food and water for both yourselves and your horses). Please bring a tape and standards for your horse(s). There will be no night watch, and you must catch your horse first thing Saturday morning so our Wranglers can get set up. Horses are not to be kept in Camp. You will be fined.

Trek facilities will not be operational until 2pm Saturday afternoon and our first trek meal together is on Saturday night. Also please bring tape and standards for your horse as paddocks may not be set up then. Your horses are there at your own risk as we will not have night watch running. Trek officially starts on the Saturday. Please let us know if you plan to arrive on Friday evening. 

The End Camp Shuttle bus departure time and directions for both the start and end camp will be sent out closer to March.

FUNDRAISING AUCTION 

We will be running an auction on the Rest Night (Wednesday) to raise extra funds to go to the cause. If you have any items you would like to donate, please let us know - this would be greatly appreciated! You can be creative! In the past on the Great NZ Trek people have offered accommodation for the weekend, wine tours, bike items, horse items, art, pamper packs, gift vouches, farm items etc.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT:

Label everything - that way, should something be misplaced you have a better chance of finding it again!

  • Something to sleep in: Tent (with pegs and poles) / Horse Float / Horse Truck / swag or anything else weatherproof!

  • Something to sleep on: Mattress / stretcher / airbed / camping roll

  • Bedding: Sleeping bag / blankets / pillows

  • Torch / Head Torch and batteries

  • Clothing - appropriate clothes for trekking and warm, comfy clothes for camp. There is a more comprehensive list (as a suggestion) below.

  • Day pack or saddle bags for the essentials while out on the trail

  • Lunch box - we are suggesting everyone bring their own re-useable Snaplock containers (Sistema, Klip-It, Tupperware etc) for your lunches in an effort to reduce our use of plastic wrap and our impact on the environment!

  • Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, environmentally friendly soap/shampoo/conditioner, deodorant etc. etc.

  • Basic, personal First Aid Kit - the Medic/Nurse have a comprehensive one but it always pays to have something handy when out on the trail.

  • Towel - quick drying ones are good. Some trekkers bring a dressing gown for the showers.

  • Camelbak or similar hydration systems - we recommend around 3L each - especially for the walkers and bikers!

  • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses

  • Repair Kit - needle, thread, safety pins etc

  • Mess Kit - plate, bowl, cutlery and cup

  • Money - we don’t always have Eftpos! The bar, snacks, massage tent, coffee cart etc. all take cash! And you may need some for the auction night!

CLOTHING:

These are just suggestions - you will know what works best for you!

It is important that you bring suitable clothing to ensure you are comfortable for the day, and it is best to be prepared - especially in case the weather changes!

Ensure you make suitable choices without overloading yourself - although your luggage will be transported on the Luggage Trucks you still need to load them on and off at each camp! And if you can’t lift it - neither can our volunteers if you are in one of our Camping Packages!

We definitely recommend layering, and fabrics like wool, fleece, polypropylene are insulating even when wet and have the added benefit of drying quickly.

General camp clothing:

  • A couple of pairs of warm/comfortable pants

  • A couple of long sleeve shirts

  • A few T-shirts

  • A couple of pullovers/jumpers

  • A warm jacket - ideally waterproof

  • Underwear/socks/beanie/scarf/buff

  • Pajamas/Sleepwear

  • 1 set of dress clothes / party outfit / costume for Theme Night

  • Togs - swimmers/bathers

  • 2 sets of hiking/riding gear

  • Shoes

WALKERS

  • Shell jacket

  • Fleece or wool sweater

  • Quickdry T-shirts and long sleeves

  • Hiking shorts/pants

  • Thermal set

  • Beanie

  • Cap or hat with a brim

Footwear:

  • 7 sets of socks - wool is good!

  • 7 sets of liner socks e.g. polypropylene

  • Hiking boots

  • Tennis shoes or Sandals - these come in handy for river crossings so your boots don’t get wet

BIKERS

  • Your bike!

  • Puncture repair kit

  • Spare tubes

  • Tyre levers

  • Bike pump

  • Bike lock

  • Chain links, lube and cleaning equipment

  • Spare brake pads and disc cleaner

  • Hydration pack or water bottles

  • Back pack or bike bags

  • Suitable footwear

HORSE RIDERS

  • Your horse - this is a big one!

  • Saddle, Bridle, Girth

  • 2 x saddle blankets (at least, ideally of different thicknesses or with shims)

  • Halter and detachable lead rope

  • Breast Plate and Crupper (optional but highly recommended)

  • Horse Cover

  • Saddle Bags

  • Red ribbon - if your horse is a kicker or has proximity issues

  • Grooming kit, hoof pick

  • Basic First Aid kit for minor horse ailments

  • Over Coat for wet weather

  • Hat or Helmet

    Please don’t forget to read the Vet Blurb