Outdoor Activities And Camping In New Zealand

Camping in New Zealand is the best way to make the most of all the country has to offer. With its ever-changing terrain and spectacular scenery, camping allows visitors to get amongst the best of New Zealand. It’s easy to see why so many visitors are drawn to the country, and one of the most appealing attractions has to be its vast array of outdoor activities.

One of the most important aspects of going on an outdoor adventure is planning. Research where you will be going and what you will be doing, and ensure you bring the correct equipment to cover all eventualities. When you are camping, it is especially important to plan. Make sure you have suitable sleeping bags and camping equipment to suit the conditions, and always err on the side of caution.

As a sport that is incredibly popular with New Zealanders, you will find many mountain bike tracks throughout the country. From beginners to advanced riders, there are tracks to suit everyone. With most tracks situated out in the countryside, camping is one of the best ways to enjoy the sport. Some areas may be quite basic, so ensure you have all the correct camping equipment before you go.

In the South Island, Queenstown is an excellent choice for a cycling holiday. Voted TripAdvisor’s number one Outdoor and Adventure Destination in 2010, Queenstown is suited to all cycling abilities. Choose from scenic tracks, downhill rides, backcountry trails, a jump park, and heli-biking. Take a winery trail through the Gibbston Valley or catch a lift in the Gondola up to Bob’s Peak.

If you prefer to travel by foot, hiking is also a great way to see New Zealand. There are thousands of kilometres of walking tracks to explore, and the Department of Conservation offers a huge range of camping sites for overnight stops. DOC campsites are well-maintained but have varying levels of amenities, so ensure you carry sleeping bags and all necessary camping equipment for your journey.

New Zealand prides itself on its fantastic walks, but invites visitors to try the best of them in its Nine Great Walks: Abel Tasman Coast, Heaphy Track, Kepler Track, Lake Waikaremoana, Milford Track, Rakiura Track, Routeburn Track, Tongariro Northern Circuit, and Whanganui Journey. Following 54km of beach and forest track, the Abel Tasman Coast walk takes three to five days to complete. Offering spectacular views over the bays, beaches and waterfalls, part of the journey can also be taken by kayak. There are some excellent camp spots along the way, but remember to take all necessary camping equipment and sleeping bags with you.

With over 15,000km of coastline, an array of marine reserves and hundreds of offshore islands, New Zealand offers numerous possibilities for getting your feet wet. Diving New Zealand’s waters you can explore shipwrecks, drop-offs, and sub-tropical reefs. You can swim with dolphins, discover the kelp fields, or try diving after dark to explore a whole new underwater world. Many sites can be accessed from the mainland, and camping is a great way to stay close to the action.