Can it snow on a Great Walk in summer?

Yes. The alpine passes, including Mackinnon Pass on the Milford Track and the Harris Saddle on the Routeburn, can get snow or sleet in any month. Carry a warm hat, gloves and an insulating layer even in January.

Why should I avoid cotton on a Great Walk?

Cotton absorbs water, loses its warmth when wet and dries slowly, so wet cotton in wind chills you quickly. Merino wool and synthetics stay warm when damp and dry faster.

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Gear Guide

What to Wear on a Great Walk: Best Hiking Clothes and Layers

8 min read · Published 2026-10-06

Picks checked on Amazon on 6 October 2026, for the 2026/27 Great Walks season.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Great Walk Watcher earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy through a link on this page we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. No brand paid to be listed. Prices and stock change constantly on Amazon, so check the product page. Amazon.com ships many outdoor items to New Zealand, and delivery options show on each product page.

Quick answer: dress in layers you can add and remove, and never cotton. A merino base layer next to the skin, a fleece or light puffy for warmth, a waterproof jacket and trousers on top, merino socks, plus a warm hat and gloves even in summer. Our picks for the two layers people most often get wrong are below.

The layering system

Base layer: merino or synthetic, long-sleeved. Moves sweat off your skin and stays warm when damp.
Mid layer: a fleece or a light synthetic or down jacket for breaks and evenings.
Shell: a fully waterproof jacket and overtrousers. See our rain jacket guide.
Extremities: warm hat, gloves, a sun hat and sunglasses. New Zealand's UV is strong.

The picks

Best base layer

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew

A midweight merino crew that works as a walking top on cold days and a warm hut layer at night. Merino resists odour, which matters when you are wearing it for four days.

Warm when damp
Stays fresh over a multi-day walk
Women's version sold under the same name

Skip it if: you run very hot. A lighter-weight merino or a synthetic tee will be cooler on the climbs.

Check price on Amazon Affiliate link

Best socks

Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Socks

Merino hiking socks with cushioning under the foot. They are the difference between finishing day four comfortable or limping. Unconditional lifetime guarantee.

Take two pairs minimum
Keep one pair dry for the hut

Check price on Amazon Affiliate link

A complete Great Walk clothing list

Walking: base layer top, shorts or quick-dry trousers, merino socks, sun hat.
Warm: fleece or light puffy jacket, thermal leggings, warm hat, gloves.
Wet: waterproof jacket, waterproof overtrousers.
Hut: a dry base layer, dry socks, and light shoes or jandals for inside.
Sandflies: long sleeves and long trousers at lakes and rivers. See our sandfly guide.

More Great Walks gear guides

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