Clothing:

• Comfortable Trail Shoes or Hiking Boots: Make sure they are well broken-in to prevent blisters. The majority of people choose to walk in Trail Shoes with good grip. The tracks are generally wide and well formed

• Moisture-Wicking Socks: (Wool or polypropylene) Bring several pairs to keep your feet dry.

• Hiking Pants/Shorts: Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying.

• T shirt: Merino or other quick dry material (not cotton)

• Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: Long-sleeve shirts (wool or polypropylene)

• Midlayer - Fleece or Insulated Jacket: Depending on the season, this will help keep you warm.

• Rain Jacket: A waterproof and breathable shell to protect against rain and wind.

• Hat or Cap: Sun protection is important, as well as a beanie for colder weather.

• Beanie and Gloves: Lightweight gloves for chilly mornings or evenings at cooler times of the year.

Layer your clothing, but don’t wear cotton - wool fleece and polypropylene fabrics are a great idea because they stay warm when wet. You should expect to get wet while in New Zealand’s outdoors. Cotton and denim pull heat from your body when wet, which can lead to hypothermia, so unless you need to cool down due to extreme temperatures, leave these behind.

Other:

• Daypack: A comfortable backpack with waterproof liner to carry your essentials for the day.

• Swimming togs: If you think yo might take a swim along the way.

• Luchbox: to put your packed lunch in each day.

• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the hike.

• Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, and quick energy foods.

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the New Zealand sun.

• Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses with UV protection.

• Insect Repellent: Depending on the season, there might be bugs.

• Personal Medications: Any prescription medications you need.

• First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for treating minor injuries.

• Info pack including track Map

• Trekking Poles: Optional, but they can provide extra stability, especially on uneven terrain and wet conditions.

• Camera or Phone Camera: Capture the stunning scenery and wildlife.

• Phone: For safety there will be patchy reception along the track depending on which provider you use.

If you have tramping boots that you wear regularly and are comfortable feel free bring them. We recommend wearing supportive trail shoes with a good grip. Make sure your shoes are broken in prior to doing your tramp.

Abel Tasman: There are a couple of places along the track where you’ll be required to cross tidal estuaries. We recommend the use of water shoes (crocs, sports sandals etc) for these as there are sharp shells and small stones that can cut bare feet. Jandals (flip-flops or thongs) are not recommended as they get bogged down in the muddy parts of the crossing.

Abel Tasman there is a dairy in Kaiteriteri beside the Sea Shuttle check-in that has a good range of sandwiches and snacks.

Queen Charlotte There are a few cafes and a supermarket within a couple of minutes walk from the Cougarline check in. We recommend “Toastie Lords” right across the road.

Abel Tasman: You will find established filtered water stations every 10 – 12kms (6 – 7.5 miles) or roughly every 4 hours walking along the Abel Tasman Track. This means you can comfortably walk with a 750ml or 1 litre bottle that you refill along the way. The filtered water stations are located at DoC (Department of Conservation) huts and campsites at Anchorage, Bark Bay, Awaroa, and Totaranui. The water at other campsites is piped from the streams and should not be consumed without treatment, filtering or boiling. The main concern with untreated water is Giardia.

Queen Charlotte: The water at the DOC websites is not safe to drink without further treatment. Therefore carry all of the water you will need for the day.

All of the lodges have onsite restaurants offering a range of food for all tastes and budgets.

Rooms have tea and coffee making facilities.

Abel Tasman: Full breakfast and packed lunches are included in you trip pricer the 3 night option - lunches are additional for 2 night option.

Queen Charlotte: Packed lunches only are included in the trip price for the 3 night option and can be added to 2 night package.

Please let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements. Due to the remote location of the Lodges they need plenty of notice if there are specific needs.

Abel Tasman

• Awaroa Lodge: Guest laundry available.

Queen Charlotte

• Furneaux Lodge: There is a drying room for your use located next to the Hikers Cabin’s disabled toilet.

• Punga Cove: The guest laundry is located uphill from the reception area and is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm daily. Pay $8 at reception to use the washer, dryer and receive biodegradable laundry detergent.

  Ensure all your gear is dry before another day of adventuring by putting it in the drying room overnight. The drying room is located on the pathway behind the swimming pool.

• Portage Resort: There is a coin operated full laundry facility

Abel Tasman: Your gear will be transported to Awaroa Lodge on day 1 and will be in your room when you arrive. You walk each day with just your day pack and supplies for that day.

Queen Charlotte: Your bags will be transported between each Lodge. When you check in you will be given details about when and where to leave your luggage each day. You walk each day with just your day pack and supplies for that day.

You may get patchy cell phone reception along the tracks. Cellphone coverage can be found on headlands or high points in line-of-sight to transmission points. Coverage varies depending on your service provider.

The Lodges have limited wifi which may only be available in main reception areas. It’s a great opportunity to “get away from it all” for a few days.

Abel Tasman: It is fine if you decide to skip a day walking and instead enjoy the Lodge and surrounds. Just let the Lodge reception staff know so that they can inform the Sea Shuttle team that you won’t be using their services.

Queen Charlotte: You are able to to take the water taxi rather than walk on any of your days. Let the Lodge reception staff know asap if you are planning to do this and they will book you on the water taxi. There is an additional $40 charge (payable onboard) for an additional water taxi journey with the exception of the trip from Furneaux Lodge to Punga Cove (FOC).

Abel Tasman: Luggage is limited to 1 piece and a daypack per person

Queen Charlotte: The luggage limit is 23kg (2 items and a small daypack per person). There is a $30 charge per item applied for extra freight, thereafter.

We strongly recommend that all luggage should have a waterproof liner and contents in plastic bags, so that in the event of a heavy rainfall when bags are being transferred from boat to jetties your belongings are protected.

Unfortunately we are unable to offer storage of excess luggage. Some of the accommodation providers in Blenheim, Picton and Nelson may allow you to leave luggage with them if you are returning to their facility after your walk however you will need to check at the time of booking.

Abel Tasman: There is longterm parking available in Kaiteriteri . A map of where you can park depending on when you travel is included in your info pack

Queen Charlotte: There is longterm parking available in Picton for $15 per day. You will receive a parking map in your info pack prior to departure.