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: trekking poles are optional but your knees will thank you on the long descents, and the Black Diamond Trail is a dependable, adjustable pair. A headlamp is not optional: the Black Diamond Spot 400-R is bright, rechargeable and has a red mode that won't wake the bunk room.
Every Fiordland Great Walk has at least one long descent: from Mackinnon Pass down to Dumpling Hut on the Milford, off the Harris Saddle on the Routeburn, and from the Luxmore ridge down to Iris Burn on the Kepler. Poles spread the load onto your arms, help balance on wet rock and roots, and steady you through stream crossings. They also stow on the pack when you don't need them.
Aluminium, adjustable, with external lever locks that are easy to set with cold or wet hands. Not the lightest, but strong and simple.
Skip it if: you only ever walk on flat tracks like the Abel Tasman.
Check price on Amazon Affiliate link
Great Walk huts are full, dark and quiet by nine. The toilets are outside in a separate building. A headlamp lets you find your bunk, pack in the morning before sunrise and walk to the loo without your phone. Use the red light inside so you don't wake a full bunk room.
A bright, waterproof headlamp with a rechargeable battery and a red night mode. Charge it before the walk and it lasts a Great Walk easily.
Check price on Amazon Affiliate link
Most Great Walks sell out on opening day, and DOC keeps no waitlist. Cancelled hut nights go back on sale all season. See how cancellations work or set a free cancellation alert.
Set up a notification for your Great Walk dates and hear about cancellations as soon as they are spotted.
Get notified when spots become available on your chosen dates and tracks.
See current availability across the Great Walks and plan your trip.
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
Loading availability…