Making the most of New Zealand’s empty backcountry this summer – Stuff.co.nz

Liz Carlson/Stuff

Standing on a very empty Fox Glacier in early 2021. Pre-pandemic you needed to book heli-hikes well in advance because of their popularity.

As someone who has both lived in tourist towns and worked in the tourism industry for a decade, I have always had my finger on the pulse. Lets just say were in a bit of a coma, but one with an optimistic outcome.

Were coming on two years since our borders closed and the tourism industry was decimated here in New Zealand.

Deep down we all know that we cant stay closed off forever. Whether we like it or not, visitors will return to New Zealand, and likely in droves, especially as we now exist in the collective psyche as a place that did the pandemic right.

While individually none of us can wave a magic wand and change our current situation, we do have a choice over how we respond to the cards that weve been dealt. And with my glass half-full personality, Im totally embracing a New Zealand backcountry empty of international tourists.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

Sunset over the Hump Ridge Track is one of my favourite tramping memories.

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This is going to be the summer of getting outdoors! At the peak of tourism in New Zealand, I found myself avoiding some places that were super crowded (hello Roys Peak) or felt that I missed out on certain tracks because the huts were booked out a year in advance (Milford Track, how you doing?).

Now theyre relatively empty and waiting for us!

We dont know how long this coma will last with no international visitors, so we might as well take advantage and enjoy an empty backcountry this summer.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

So many of the most popular backcountry huts remain empty or quiet these days.

A month ago, I was looking to get away for a few days and take advantage of an incredible weather window in Fiordland.

On a whim, I checked the iconic Routeburn Track Hut availability and saw that bookings were wide open. It was the same situation with all of the Great Walks; even the popular Milford Track had space, which I also eagerly booked.

Two days later, I found myself dusting off my tramping pack and walking under perfect clear blue skies along one of New Zealand's most beautiful walks.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

Its never been a better time to get out and explore our own backyard, especially in the reserves and national parks.

Normally, the Great Walks book up a year in advance. Between the closed borders and the North Island lockdowns, the huts were maybe half-full at the most.

There was comfort and camaraderie between everyone those days on the track, and a collective feeling that something rather special was happening perhaps a glimpse into the New Zealand of decades ago.

Whether youre a seasoned tramper who enjoys a real challenge or someone looking to get out in nature more regularly, this is a fantastic season to give it a go without worrying about crowded huts or busy trails.

Liz Carlson/Stuff

Use this summer to tick off some of the tramps and adventures that have been simmering in the back of your mind.

Im already planning my adventures in the backcountry this summer, including some harder tramps and missions.

With fewer people on the trails, it means you have to be more cautious than ever, especially as a solo tramper. While you can definitely never depend on someone finding you if you end up in a pickle (always carry an EPIRB/beacon and always share your plans), now it is even less so with fewer trampers out and about.

This means its really important to be safe and plan accordingly when youre heading off the grid, especially with most of our national parks out of mobile range.

Between DOC and Mountain Safety Councils Plan My Walk app, I carefully plan my adventures as safe as possible. No one wants to be winched off a mountain by rescuers.

Staying safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. Face coverings are mandatory on all flights and public transport. Proof of vaccination and vaccine exemption may be required in some venues under the traffic light system. Follow the instructions at Covid19.govt.nz.

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Making the most of New Zealand's empty backcountry this summer - Stuff.co.nz