I loved hiking from hut to hut in New Zealand. My first solo multi-day hike was an unforgettable experience, carrying all my gear and food for three days. In this post I will share my packing list for multi day hikes – find download link below.
Even though I didn’t know much about what to expect when hiking from hut to hut in New Zealand, I’m glad I knew enough to bring these essential items for my first multi-day hike:
1. Hiking poles
These saved my knees while hiking in steep terrain! Even though I had walked 40 days on Camino de Santiago, I wasn’t used to carrying such a heavy backpack in much steeper terrain. The hiking poles really saved my knees —especially on long descents.
2. Flip-Flops
A simple but essential item for staying in the huts. Hiking boots aren’t allowed inside, and after a long day of walking, it was really nice to slip into something comfortable.
3. Wool clothing
I wore merino wool layers every day, and they were perfect for both hiking and relaxing in the huts. The wool kept me dry and comfortable, whether I was sweating on the trail or chilling in the huts.
4. Diary/Journal
Bringing a small notebook was one of the best decisions I made. Every evening, I loved writing down my thoughts and experiences—what I saw, how I felt, and the small moments I wanted to remember. Looking back, my journal is now one of my favorite souvenirs from my trip.
5. Cooking Gear
I had bought the most basic setup, and I was really happy with it. My kit included:
– Gas
– Stove/Burner (not needed in all huts)
– Pot
– Cutlery
– Matches/Lighter
Not all huts have stoves available, so it was great to be self-sufficient.
Also read 7 things I wish I had packed for my first solo multi-day hike, Packing list for three months in New Zealand and Kepler Track
Where I found information about the hikes in New Zealand
Before heading out on my hikes, I found a lot of valuable information on the Department of Conservation (DOC) website—New Zealand’s official organization for managing national parks, tracks, and huts.
What you can find on the DOC website:
📍 Detailed descriptions of all Great Walks and other hikes
🏠 Hut & Campsite Booking System – Many huts need to be reserved in advance
🌦 Weather Updates – Super important, as conditions can change quickly
⚠️ Track Conditions & Alerts – Important notices about closures, river crossings, or avalanche risks
🎒 Packing Lists & Safety Guidelines – Great tips on what to bring
Booking huts in advance
For popular hikes—especially the Great Walks—you usually need to book huts months in advance, as they fill up quickly during the hiking season. You can do this directly on the DOC website. Some huts have stoves, mattresses, and running water, while others are very basic, so it’s good to check what’s available before heading out.
Checking weather & safety
New Zealand’s weather is unpredictable, especially in the mountains. I always checked the DOC website before starting a hike to see if there were any warnings, weather changes, or trail updates. Some tracks can become dangerous after heavy rain, and certain alpine routes require special equipment during winter.
Overall, the DOC website was an amazing resource that helped me plan and feel prepared for my hikes. I highly recommend checking it out before heading into New Zealand’s beautiful wilderness!
Read more about my favourite multi day hike in New Zealand: Kepler Track
