New Zealand.

Looking for advice About backpacking in New Zealand. Always thought it was a beautiful place. If anyone knows of an awesome long distance trail to hike I would love to hear about it. Any advice would be helpful as I have never been there before and don't know anything about the place. Hit me.

I was there years ago, so don't have any current info. Here are my suggestions-
Buy the Lonely Planet books on NZ including Tramping in NZ. That will give you all the info you need. Don't forget, the seasons are reversed. For the Milford Track, you actually need reservations to stay in the huts.

There are plenty of long distance routes. If you don't do the Milford, the Routebourn is a good one. I did both, also the Copland Pass, which now dangerous because of glacier melt, from what I understand, so I wouldn't recommend it. I also hiked in the Arthur's Pass area, but I don 't recommend it for beginners unless you are with someone who knows the area, the weather there can get really wild in a hurry. Queenstown is kind of like Aspen-a center for all kinds of outdoor sports; Mt. Cook NP is great, good camping and hiking, I did use my tent there for a few days.

Not to scare you, but do yourself a favor and pay attention to the following-

The weather in NZ on the South Island can kill you, so be prepared-good boots (I know people love to hike in trail runners, but I wouldn't down there, at least in the mountains), good rain gear, reliable stove. You don't really need a tent, depending on which tracks you are on because most have huts. Have warm clothes with you at all times. I don't care what other people may tell you, I've read all kinds of BS about hiking there, but I've seen the weather go from a t shirt and shorts sunny day to freezing sleet in a couple of hours. I was there hiking alone most of the time before the days of cel phones, so I always had enough gear to keep me warm.

The North Island has more moderate weathe and there are a lot of great hikes there as well, but other than the top of the island, I didn't hike much there. I hadn't done any camping in years when I went there. It isn't rocket science, but do your homework and you'll be fine.

Also, if you want to drive, they drive on the left. If you aren't comfortable doing that, don't, you'll kill someone, the roads aren't like the roads here. Take the bus or train, they go everywhere.

Excellent Advice. I understand the dangerous weather. Where I am the weather can turn in a heartbeat so I am always prepared for it. Thanks again for the great information!

Don't get me wrong, It's a great place. I lived there on and off for a year in Christchurch, which got hit recently with a big quake. But, you have to be prepared. Kiwis are pretty hardy. You'll see them wandering around in shorts and tee shirts in really cold weather. If you like old school kit, look for one of these-
http://www.swanndri.co.nz/Mens/Bushshirts/SD0116/Mosgiel-100-Wool-Bushshirt.html

There are good gear shops in ChCh if you forget something. Also Dunedin and Auckland. Probably one or more in Queenstown, too. I've got a MacPac sleeping bag I bought in ChCh back when they were made locally instead of China.

One thing be sure to bring are gaiters-tall ones. Mine are just Cordura, made by a local company down there, AlpSports, I think. Trekking poles would be good for river crossings-did a lot of those, but didn't have any. Fell over once (forward) up at Arthur's Pass with about 50 lbs. in my pack. Fortunately it wasn't all that deep, just really, really cold. Keep your boots on by the way, otherwise, you will cut up your feet for certain.

I hope this doesn't make me sound stupid but I am curious; why is it so crucial to bring tall gaiters?

Good question actually. I spent much of my time hiking in shorts or wearing shorts (actually Birdwell surf shorts) over my Capilene long johns. Gaiters will keep you from getting scratched if you are doing any bushwhacking, keep you from tearing up your pants and keep mud off you if the track is wet. Short gaiters might keep rocks out of your shoes, but that is about it. Gaiters will also help prevent tears and cuts if you are wearing crampons and accidentally step on yourself or slip-it can happen.