Great Walks of New Zealand
Cooking & Food Equipment
During the Great Walks Season gas burners are available at the huts for use (except for the Abel Tasman and Lake Waikaremoana). Hikers will still need to carry cooking utensils, pots, plates and cleaning equipment. Although gas burners are provided, many hikers and those camping will also carry a portable stove. It's always a good idea to take a portable stove regardless in cases of emergencies and to be able to cook on the trail. Check out below some cooking and food equipment essentials.
Equipment Essentials
Portable Stove
Many hikers will carry a portable stove even if gas cookers are available at the huts. It gives options to cook on trail and is useful when the hut kitchens are busy. There are so many portable stoves available, so how do you choose?
Things to consider:
1. Purpose - What are you cooking? Do you just need to boil water for dehydrated or ready-to-eat meals or will you be cooking/simmering food?
2. Size - Do you need the smallest and lightest stove just for emergencies or to keep pack weight down? Or can you carry a bigger stove?
3. Environment - What conditions will you be cooking in? Will you be in higher altitudes, cold or wet conditions, or fire ban areas?
Check out some stove options available on the link below and find out what stoves we are carrying.
Kitchen Utensils
Kitchen sets can often be purchased in most outdoor stores, or alternatively you may have gear at home you can bring.
Things to bring:
1. Pot - A light pot to cook food in. Some portable cookers have an integrated cooking cup so a pot may not be necessary. Some huts have pots left by previous hikers but not always.
2. Bowl - Collapsible bowls are popular to save room in your pack. If eating store bought dehydrated foods only, you can often eat straight from the packet, so a bowl may not even be required.
3. Mug
4. Fork/spoon - Consider a 'Spork' - a spoon at one end and fork at the other.
5. Knife - A small sharp knife or utility knife works well. Just remember not to check it in your luggage when flying or it may be confiscated.
6. Dish soap and tea towel - Microfiber towels are a great option and dry easily.
7. Rubbish Bag - A large size ziplock is best to prevent smells and spills, or consider environmentally friendly reusable options like silicone pouches, Smelly Proof ziplock bags, or the KEA Stash Bag.
Cooking Fuel
Most portable stoves will require liquid fuel (Shellite or Coleman fuel) or a gas canister which is a mix of isobutane and propane. These can be purchased at most outdoor stores and petrol stations prior to starting your Great Walk.
Remember you cannot carry gas canisters or liquid fuel on airplanes as these are considered dangerous goods. Buy them at your destination or in the closest town to the Great Walk.
TIP
Talk to your accommodation or transport provider if short on time to purchase fuel and they can often help. Other hikers often leave partially used gas canisters behind.