Trip Resources

Recommended Gear Lists

BASIC (Day Trip)

❏ Pack + Pack liner/drybags

❏ Raincoat

❏ Headtorch + spare batteries

❏ Boots + socks

❏ Gaiters for rough terrain and snow only**

❏ Shorts + teeshirt not cotton

❏ Fleece/wool jumper not cotton

❏ Thermal top and bottom

❏ Warm hat, gloves and neck gaiter

❏ Sunhat + sunscreen

❏ 1L+ water bottle

❏ Map + compass**

❏ Personal first aid kit

❏ Toilet paper + hand sanitizer

OVERNIGHT

BASIC + OVERNIGHT

❏ Sleeping bag

❏ Sleeping mat*

❏ Hut clothes optional

❏ Toothbrush + toiletries

❏ Bowl, mug and cutlery

❏ Billy*

❏ Cooker* + lighter/matches

❏ Hut tickets/backcountry hut pass

Recommended Gear: Explained

What to Bring

Having the right gear can make the difference between an enjoyable day on the trail and a miserable one. You don't need to own the most expensive equipment, but it's important to come prepared for New Zealand's ever changing weather. If you're ever unsure whether your gear is suitable, just get in touch before the hike. We're always happy to help.

Clothing

Dress in layers so you can easily adjust to changing conditions throughout the day. A waterproof rain jacket is essential, even if the forecast looks clear. We recommend wearing quick drying clothing made from materials like merino or synthetic fabrics, and avoiding cotton or denim, which stay cold and wet once soaked.

Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip are strongly recommended. You'll also want warm socks, a hat, gloves during cooler months, and an extra warm layer such as a fleece or merino jersey. In summer, don't forget a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

For overnight hikes or winter trips, you'll need additional warm clothing, including thermal base layers and spare dry clothes for the hut.

Equipment

For day hikes, you'll need a comfortable backpack, plenty of water, your lunch and snacks, and any personal medications you may need. A head torch, even on shorter trips, is always a good idea in case plans change.

If you're joining one of our overnight adventures, you'll also need a suitable sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries, eating utensils, and any camping or hut gear listed in the trip description. Some specialised gear may be available to borrow, so check the event details or ask an organiser if you're unsure.

Food and Water

Bring enough food to keep your energy up throughout the day. Hiking burns more energy than most people expect, so pack plenty of snacks alongside your lunch. Muesli bars, nuts, fruit, sandwiches, wraps, and other easy to carry foods are all great options.

For most day hikes, aim to bring at least two litres of water. On longer or warmer hikes, you may need more. Hydration is one of the most important parts of having a safe and enjoyable day outdoors.

Packing Tips

Keep your gear organised and dry by packing important items inside waterproof bags or dry sacks within your backpack. It's worth carrying a small personal first aid kit, tissues or toilet paper, and a fully charged phone. Double check the weather forecast before you leave and pack accordingly, as conditions can change quickly in the outdoors.

Overnight Hikes

If your hike includes a stay in a Department of Conservation hut, you'll usually need to purchase hut tickets or have a valid Backcountry Hut Pass. Your trip organiser will let you know exactly what's required before the trip.

Not Sure What You Need?

Don't worry if you're new to hiking. Everyone starts somewhere, and we're always happy to answer questions about gear before an event. If you're unsure whether something is suitable, just ask. We'd much rather help you prepare than have you worry about getting it wrong.

Fitness Grades

How do I know which hike is right for me?

Easy (E)

Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxed day outdoors. Easy hikes involve up to four hours of walking at a comfortable, social pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop for snacks, photos, and to enjoy the scenery. No previous hiking experience is required, making these trips a great place to start your outdoor journey.

Medium Easy (ME)

Medium Easy hikes are suited to those with a little hiking experience who are ready for a gentle challenge. Expect around five hours of walking at an easy pace, with regular breaks throughout the day. Tracks may include some steeper sections or a longer climb, but the focus remains on enjoying the journey rather than rushing to the finish.

Medium (M)

Medium hikes are ideal for regular walkers who are comfortable spending a full day on the trail. These trips can involve up to six hours of hiking over varied terrain, with a steady pace and shorter, less frequent breaks. Participants should have suitable hiking gear and enough fitness to manage sustained climbs and longer distances.

Medium Fit (MF)

Medium Fit hikes are designed for experienced hikers looking for a more challenging day outdoors. Expect up to seven hours on the trail, a brisk pace, and only occasional stops. These hikes often cover longer distances and more demanding terrain, so previous hiking experience, good fitness, and confidence in the outdoors are recommended.

Fit (F)

Fit hikes are our most challenging trips and are intended for experienced, confident hikers with a high level of fitness. These adventures can involve more than seven hours of walking, multiple significant climbs, and a consistently fast pace with minimal breaks. Participants should be well prepared, comfortable tackling difficult terrain, and equipped for a full day in the outdoors.

Leading a Hike

One of the best things about The Lookout Club is that many of our hikes are led by members of our own community. If you've found a trail you love, have experience hiking it, and would like to share it with others, we'd love to help you lead a trip.

You don't have to be an expert mountaineer to become a hike leader. What matters most is good judgement, thoughtful planning, clear communication, and creating a safe, welcoming experience for everyone on the trail. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Before You Plan a Hike

Before a hike is published, we'll work with you to make sure the route is suitable, the grading is accurate, and everyone has the information they need. If you're ever unsure about a track, weather conditions, logistics, or anything else, just ask. We'd much rather answer questions beforehand than leave you guessing.

As the hike leader, it's important that you're familiar with the route, understand any potential hazards, and have a backup plan if conditions change. We encourage all leaders to check recent track updates, weather forecasts, and Department of Conservation alerts before the event.

Before the Hike

Once your hike is confirmed, we'll help you communicate with everyone who's attending. Before the day, make sure your group knows:

where and when you're meeting
the expected finish time
the hike grading and fitness requirements
exactly what gear participants need to bring
how much food and water they'll need
any important safety information specific to the track

Never assume someone knows what to pack or what to expect. Clear communication helps everyone arrive feeling prepared and confident.

On the Day

As the hike leader, your priority is the wellbeing of your group. That doesn't mean you need to know everything, but it does mean staying aware of how everyone is doing throughout the day.

Keep the group together, check in with people regularly, and don't be afraid to adjust the plan if conditions change. The mountain will always be there another day. If the weather turns, someone isn't coping, or the track becomes unsafe, turning around is always a successful outcome.

Remember that everyone hikes at a different pace. Creating an enjoyable experience often means slowing down, encouraging people, and making sure nobody feels left behind.

Safety First

Every hike should have someone carrying a first aid kit and a charged phone, and leaders should be familiar with the emergency plan before setting out. Depending on the hike, additional safety equipment such as a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) may be required.

If an incident occurs, your role is to stay calm, keep the rest of the group safe, assess the situation, and follow the appropriate emergency procedures. If you're ever unsure about anything before a trip, we're here to help you prepare.

After the Hike

Once everyone is safely back, let us know the trip has finished successfully. If there were any issues during the day, whether that's track conditions, gear problems, or safety concerns, we'd love to hear about them so we can continue improving future events.

Photos, stories, and trip recaps are always encouraged too. They're a great way to celebrate the adventure and inspire others to join the next one.

You're Never Leading Alone

Leading a hike doesn't mean doing everything by yourself. The Lookout Club team is here to support you with planning, logistics, safety advice, communications, and any questions you have along the way.

Our goal is simple: to help you create safe, enjoyable adventures where everyone feels welcome, connected, and excited to get back out on the trail.

Planning a hike:

Planning a great hike is about much more than choosing a beautiful trail. As a hike leader, your role is to create an experience that's safe, enjoyable, and appropriate for the group you've invited along. The resources below are a great starting point when you're planning your next adventure.

Choosing a Route

When selecting a hike, think about more than just the distance. Consider the total elevation gain, estimated walking time, track conditions, weather exposure, river crossings, navigation requirements, and how experienced your group is likely to be.

Ask yourself:

Is this track suitable for the advertised fitness grade?
Are there any hazards participants should know about?
Is there an easier exit or turnaround point if conditions change?
Does the route suit the time of year?

Whenever possible, it's a good idea to choose a track you've completed before. If it's a new route, spend extra time researching recent trip reports and talking to people who know the area.

Maps and Navigation

Every hike leader should carry a map of their route and have a basic understanding of navigation. While phone apps can be incredibly helpful, they should never be your only navigation tool.

Useful resources include:

• NZ Topo Maps for official topographic maps

• WAMS for aerial imagery and recent trip information

• DOC maps and track information

• LINZ mapping resources

Researching the Track

Before your hike, check the latest information available. Look for recent track updates, closures, weather damage, river conditions, or anything that could affect your plans.

Helpful places to research include:

• Department of Conservation (DOC)

• Regional council park websites

• Te Araroa trail information

• Local hiking forums and trip reports

• Other experienced hikers

The more information you gather before the trip, the fewer surprises you'll encounter on the day.

Weather

Weather is one of the biggest factors affecting any hike. Forecasts can change quickly, especially in alpine environments, so check them regularly in the days leading up to your event and again before you leave.

We recommend using multiple forecast sources rather than relying on just one. If conditions aren't suitable, don't be afraid to postpone or cancel. There will always be another opportunity to explore the trail.

Estimating Time

Allow plenty of time for your hike. Remember that walking times published online often don't include breaks, photos, lunch stops, or the varying pace of a group.

When planning your day, include extra time for:

meeting and introductions
rest breaks
meals
unexpected delays
enjoying the scenery

A relaxed schedule almost always leads to a better experience than trying to stick to an ambitious timetable.

Planning for Your Group

A successful hike isn't about completing the hardest trail. It's about matching the right adventure to the right group.

Think about the fitness and experience level you've advertised, and consider whether participants will need any specialist skills, such as navigation, river crossing experience, or confidence on steep terrain. If the answer is yes, make those expectations clear before people sign up.

Costs

If your hike involves shared expenses, communicate them early so participants know what to expect.

Common costs may include:

fuel contributions
hut fees or campground bookings
ferry or transport costs
shared food for overnight trips
equipment hire, if required

Being upfront about costs helps everyone plan ahead.

Helpful Resources

The following websites are excellent places to start when planning a trip:

Department of Conservation (DOC) for track information, alerts, and hut details.
NZ Topo Maps for official mapping.
WAMS for aerial imagery and route planning.
MetService Mountain Forecasts for weather.
Regional council park websites for local track conditions.
Recent trip reports from hiking clubs and outdoor communities.

And remember, you don't have to plan everything alone. If you're unsure about a route, grading, logistics, or safety considerations, reach out to The Lookout Club team. We're always happy to help you turn a great idea into a great day on the trail.