How to Join Our Great Walks NZ Group and Prepare for Next Season

By Rafick

Welcome

If you’ve dreamed of crossing alpine ridges, beech forests, and golden bays, you’re in the right place. Our Great Walks of New Zealand group brings hikers together to complete several of the 11 official Great Walks each season. We handle logistics, share clear trip info, and focus on safety, preparation, and an enjoyable pace.

Who Can Join

Everyone with a sense of adventure and a willingness to prepare. We support first-timers and returning hikers alike, with transparent details for each event — including difficulty, distances, hut bookings, transport, and tide times where relevant.

What’s Coming Up

• Kepler Track
• Milford Track
• Rakiura Track
• Paparoa Track
• Abel Tasman Coast Track
• Lake Waikaremoana

These confirmed trips set the stage for next season, when we plan to complete all 11 Great Walks together as a community.

Getting Ready for Next Season

1. Train regularly: weekend hikes to build time-on-feet and endurance.
2. Dial in your gear: break in boots, test pack weight, refine clothing layers.
3. Follow our guides: upcoming posts cover fitness, packing lists, trail etiquette, and safety.
4. Join practice walks: shorter events help you meet the group and build confidence.

Huts vs Camping

Many Great Walks offer both huts and designated campsites. We’ll state the options in each event:

• Hut stays: more comfort, social evenings, cooking benches and water available.
• Camping: budget-friendly, quieter nights, requires appropriate tent/sleep system.

DOC bookings open well in advance; we’ll announce timelines so everyone has a fair chance to secure spots.

How to Join the Group

1. Visit our Meetup page: Great Walks of New Zealand on Meetup
2. Join the group.
3. RSVP to upcoming hikes or training events suited to your level.
4. Read the event description carefully and ask questions early — we’ll help you prepare.

If you’re unsure where to start, send me a message on Meetup — I’m happy to help first-timers.

Why Walk with Us

Each Great Walk is more than a track — it’s a shared journey. Expect changing weather, long days, and big views, supported by a team that values preparedness and good company. Next season, join us as we complete all 11 Great Walks.