Tramping , trekking, bushwalking, hiking - call it what you will, it is one of the most compelling reasons to visit New Zealand, and for many the sole objective. Even if the concept sounds appalling, you should try it once; reluctant trampers are frequently bitten by the bug.

Tramps are multi-day walks, normally taking three to five days and following a well-worn trail through relatively untouched wilderness, more often than not in one of the country's national parks. Along the way you'll be either camping out or staying in idyllically located trampers' huts, and will consequently be lugging a pack over some pretty rugged ground, so a moderate level of fitness is required. If this sounds daunting, you can sign up with one of the guided tramping companies, which maintain more salubrious huts, provide meals and carry much of your gear, but at a price, details of these are given throughout the guide.

The main tramping season is in summer, from October to May. Some of the most popular tramps - the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler - are in the cooler southern half of the South Island, where the season is shorter by a few weeks at either end.