Frequently Asked Questions

Where is this year’s Trek starting and finishing?

The Start and Finish areas will be loaded on the website once known. The general area will be up but if it doesn’t have a specific location then it is still a work in progress!

There are a few logistics that go into planning the route and we have to make time to head down there to work it out!

Why cannot I not register a Support Person?

This may confuse our past trekkers and we apologise. The Trustees met in a few times so far this year to discuss and prepare for the re-launch of the Trek for Life, and after a long discussion, the decision was made to close “Support” registrations for a few reasons.

1. We need Volunteers. Our Volunteer crew is ESSENTIAL to the success of the entire week. Without this team of Volunteers we cannot move the Camp everyday - not only is it a huge job to pack down the Camp each day, it also has to be transported by road to the next Campsite on big trucks - and big trucks require HT licences plus a wee bit of skill. At the moment (July 2022) we do not yet have a large enough team of Volunteers, so one reason for closing Support was in the hopes that you (our amazing Trekkers) would be able to help us find some more Volunteers.

2. So far, our confirmed Campsites are quite tight, and as we have to fit the paddocks for 160 or so horses as well as the Camp itself (you know our Marquee is large!), we are trying to keep the number of vehicles in camp to a minimum. We hope that after two years on Trek you have made some friends, and can either bunk with other Trekkers, use the Dorm Tents and Camping Packages and make use of the dedicated Luggage Trucks. We know everyone likes their home comforts - but travelling light really would help!

3. Support people - while helpful for their trekker(s) add another vehicle to Camp, and increase the draw on our Services (Catering, Toilets, Showers, Water and Septic). Many hands make light work - so we are actively trying to increase the number of Volunteers - as per #1.

4. It has also been asked why the Support Cost was so expensive when they only eat and sleep. Yes this is true, but our Services do cost a fair amount, and as per #1 we need the helping hands - so if you Volunteer on Trek you get to come for free!

Can I be a volunteer?

You certainly can and we would LOVE that!! Events like this are not successful without our volunteers! We are always on the lookout for good Volunteers so please get it touch!

That’s a lot of travelling on Arrival Day - Can I arrive earlier?

Yes if you are travelling with horses then you can arrive on the Friday. However there are a few things to note:

1. Horses are not to be fenced in Camp. The horse paddock area will be marked, and you can paddock your horses in this area, but please note that the Wranglers will setting up horse paddocks on Saturday so we ask that you catch and tie your horses up in the morning (they will need to be vetted before you can register anyway)

2. You will need to provide your own feed if your horse needs it - the Dunstan Coolfeed and FibrePro will be available from Saturday afternoon.

3. You need to be completely self-sufficient. There will be no services (no toilets, showers or meals) so you will need to be prepared, and self-contained.

If you are not self-contained we prefer you to arrive on Saturday thanks.

What are the camping options?

Option 1: Camp in your own tent/swag. You bring your own tent/mattress/stretcher which you set up every afternoon and pack up every morning. You would need to pack all your gear up and load it into a numbered Luggage Truck to be transported to the next camp (for no extra fee), and then collect it when you arrive back at camp to set up.

Option 2: Rent a room in our Dorm Tent for an extra fee of $350. This means you don’t have to set up a tent - you just need to collect your luggage from and deliver it back to a designated area each day.

Option 3: Rent a Camping Package Tent for an extra fee of $800. This is a large dome tent, for two people that is set up for you each day, with a stretcher, mattress and camp chair and your luggage is placed inside the door at each Camp. Then all you have to do in the morning is pack your bags and get ready to head out on the trail for the day!

Option 4: Camp in your Horse Truck or Float. If you have built in accommodation that you like staying in then great! If you do wish to sleep in your vehicle we ask that you bring a support person who can drive your vehicle from camp to camp. A support person is someone who is not riding, walking or biking, but is there to support you during the week. There is an extra charge ($850) as they are not contributing as a volunteer, and we are not offering a shuttle service this year.

If you have a vehicle, but do not need it for the week, we ask that you take it to the end camp in Kohukohu, and catch the End Camp Shuttle back to the start camp. Luggage is ok, however if you have horses please drop them to the start camp first. If you are bringing bikes and need them transported from End Camp to Start Camp please let us know so we can arrange appropriate transport.

What does a dorm tent include?

The dorm tents are large tents which have 10 individual rooms in them. We have two tents available (a total of 20 rooms), and each room is supplied with a stretcher and mattress. If you have issues sleeping then we recommend you pack a few pairs of ear plugs - if you forget the Info Caravan has some available for a gold coin donation.

What does a Camping Package Tent include?

The Camping Package Tents are that little bit extra! Each tent is a twin share, and comes with two stretchers, two mattresses and two camp chairs. Your tents are set up for you each afternoon and your luggage is deposited just inside your entrance by our team of lovely volunteers.

Please be considerate, we ask that you limit your luggage to two bags each, and if you cannot lift them then our Volunteers can’t either.

What is the Airport Transfer? What Airport do I fly to?

The Airport Transfer is by default return - so if you are collected from the airport, you will be returned there at the end. This is an additional cost, and you can choose this on your registration form. If you require a transfer please provide us with your Flight details and Flight Times.

For 2023, arrival airport will be Auckland, and it is highly likely that departure will be Auckland as well - for price and convenience!

Why does my support person/driver have to pay?

The support personnel are there to do just that - support their people, and are therefore not asked to help out with the breakdown and reassembling of the Camp. They can do what they wish for the day until their person is back - their job is to drive their person’s vehicle from Camp to Camp. The support fee covers the services and food provided for people on the Trek - as even though the Support people aren’t actually trekking they are part of the Trek Whanau and very important to their people! If they feel up to it, we have a Support-Volunteer option which means your Support person can also help us out as a Volunteer!