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Walking and trekkingPhotographing Mount Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park, North IslandNew Zealand offers some of the most enjoyablewalking in the world. With characteristicunderstatement, New Zealanders call it‘tramping’, and it is possibly the nation’s favouritepastime and with such a wealth of naturalsplendour it is hardly surprising. It is perfectlyfeasible to take yourself off into the wildernesson a day walk, but it is the longer multi-daytramps that really get to the heart of the country.Selected routes offer the option of beingaccompanied by a local guide who will helpunlock the secrets of the endemic flora andfauna you encounter. On such organised treks,accommodation is in simple yet comfortablelodges, often in bunk-style rooms, and heartymeals are provided at the end of every day. Inmost instances your luggage is transported foryou so all you have to carry is drinking waterand your camera. Track options cater for allages and fitness levels, and the only prerequisiteis a trusted pair of walking boots.Trails are graded by the Department ofConservation (DOC) and you are free to decidewhether to set off solo or join a guided group.The DOC is the central government organisationcharged with conserving the natural and historicheritage of New Zealand. They look after andmaintain the tramping trails, ensuring they arekept in good condition.Great WalksNew Zealand has several dedicated ‘GreatWalks’ as well as numerous other walking trails.Here we have outlined some of ourpersonal favourites:1 Tongariro Northern CircuitSnow-capped volcanoes and craters, alpinelakes, pristine rainforests, sparkling rivers,dramatic waterfalls and astonishing wildlife;Tongariro National Park has it all. This 41kilometre track, graded as medium, is widelythought to be the best of the North Island’s fineselection of routes. Beginning and ending atWhakapapa village, the trail is well marked andeasy to follow as it winds its way around thebase of Mount Ngauruhoe. For those withlimited time, the one-day Tongariro Crossingencompasses many of the highlights and can becompleted in seven to eight hours. It is widelyregarded as one of the most rewarding daywalks in the world. Please see page 25 forfurther details about the Tongariro region.Queen Charlotte Track, Marlborough SoundsTree fern, Abel Tasman Coastal Track2 Abel Tasman Coastal TrackThe vast native forests of the Abel TasmanNational Park are ringed by iconic golden-sandbeaches and crystal clear seas, and enjoy one ofthe sunniest, warmest climates in New Zealand.This three to five day 51 kilometre tramp takesyou along the winding coastline past gloriousbays with plenty of opportunities for swimming.This is the easiest of our favourite tramps,suitable for all levels of experience. With a goodnetwork of local water taxis operating along theroute, it is very simple to choose sections asday walks, returning to your accommodationeach evening.64