Choosing a track? poster (PDF, 950K)
Choose the type of track that most suits the skills and abilities of your party. There are six categories for walking tracks and six grades for mountain bike tracks.
Easy walking for up to an hour for people of all abilities, wheelchairs and children's buggies.
Easy walking for up to an hour for most fitness levels on well-formed tracks.
Gentle walking from a few minutes to a day on mostly well-formed tracks.
Comfortable day or multi-day walking on mostly well-formed tracks.
Challenging day or multi-day tramping on mostly unformed tracks. Backcountry skills and experience required.
Challenging multi-day tramping on unformed tracks. Navigation and high level backcountry skills and experience required.
The grading system is based on the Kennett Brothers system which is widely used by New Zealand riders. They have been modified slightly on advice from the NZ Mountain Bike Association.
Tracks suitable for horse riding.
Planning a trip in the backcountry? (PDF, 668K)
Mountain safety council website
www.beacons.org.nz
Backcountry avalanche advisory website
Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
Safety