Great Walks of New Zealand
Toiletries
When packing for a Great Walk in New Zealand, it's important to keep in mind that you'll be carrying everything on your back, so it's best to pack light and only bring essentials. The Great Walk huts have toilets (either pit or flushing), running water, but no showers. Luckily many of the huts have a lake, river or beach close by for a swim to rinse off the day's hike. There are often pit toilets located regularly along the track, so take the opportunity when you come across one. Toilet paper is provided during the Great Walks season but take some just in case. Some toiletries to consider bringing:
Toiletries Essentials
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Toothpaste & Toothbrush
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Deodorant
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellent
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Antihistamines for insect bites
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Any regular medications
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Hand Sanitizer
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Toilet Paper or Tissues
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Ear Plugs
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Head Torch
Remember to pack everything in leak proof containers and carry all rubbish out of the track.
Helpful Extras
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Clothes Pegs - to hang up any wet clothing/towels. There are generally washing lines outside the huts but BYO pegs.
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Ear Plugs - if you are looking for decent ear plugs that will block noise (and all that snoring) try these options Loop Ear Plugs.
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Wet Wipes - wet wipe shower anyone? If the hut doesn't have a swimming option nearby, wet wipes are a good option. Remember not to dispose of them in the toilets and take them with you. Alternatively, for a more sustainable option, take a small quick drying microfiber cloth.
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Body Glide - Body Glide is pretty effective if you are prone to chaffing. Looks and works like a deodorant stick. Apply Body Glide to any areas prone to the dreaded chaff for a more comfortable hike.
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Hiking Wool - Hiking Wool is brilliant to help stop boots rubbing on blisters and can help avoid the formation of blisters before they occur. Great for the first aid kit and we don't hike without it.
Toileting on the Track
There are often pit toilets located along the Great Walks so take the opportunity when you come across them. If you are not in range of a toilet, make sure you find a spot away from the track and any water sources. For number two's, dig a small hole and afterwards cover up your business with soil, sticks, and leaves.
Check out below some optional toileting gear that some hikers carry and find useful:
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Pee Cloth - if you are not in range of a toilet and have to go pee but don't want to carry used toilet paper, opt for a reusable and sustainable pee cloth. Pee cloths are used just like toilet paper with one side completely waterproof to protect hands. It's designed to then fold in half (to keep your pack clean) and snap to the outside of your pack to dry. There are a few options on the market and some are literally just pieces of cloth. Kula Cloth is made from silver-infused, antimicrobial fabric and has snaps to help secure the cloth and reflective strips to help you locate it for those midnight toilet trips.
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Urination Device - designed to give more freedom for hikers to pee standing up, particularly in places where finding a place to squat is difficult. There are a few options on the market including Shewee and pStyle which come with handy cases for storage. Both take a little bit of practice in the shower before 'real world use'.
TIPS
1. Don't forget to check the batteries in your head torch. Consider putting new batteries in before you set out.
2. Please do not use soap in lakes or streams or put wet wipes in any of the toilets to avoid polluting the eco system.
3. The hut rooms can be dark and there is often no lighting. When you get to the hut in the afternoon, prepare your bunk bed and organise anything that you might need overnight (incl. a head torch), so it is easily accessible.
4. If you are leaving early in the morning, consider packing your gear up before it gets dark. Ensure your gear is easy to grab when you wake up and move it to the common room to rustle around and re-pack so as not to disturb your tired bunk mates.