Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my vehicle from camp to camp

We recommend that you bring a support person ($850) to transfer your vehicle between campsites. This person does not walk, ride or bike, but is simply there to support you by transporting your vehicle/accommodation and ensuring your arrival and departure from camp goes smoothly.

What is the End Camp Shuttle?

The End Camp Shuttle operates on the Saturday 7th March. It is a service provided so those who do not need their vehicles throughout the week can leave them safely at the last camp, ready for departure on the 15th. It is a free service, however we will need numbers, and ask that luggage is kept to a reasonable amount.

Why can I not move my car everyday?

At this stage the logistics of this are not ideal. This would involve having a set time for the shuttle to leave for the previous camp, in order for everyone to get back in time to set up, shower, relax and make it muster. It also has so many chances for things to go wrong i.e. someone not getting in to camp on time, or forgetting their keys etc. and we are trying to make Trek life as easy as possible! Plus, after a long day of trekking do you really want to shuttle back to get your vehicle? We are working on a few options so we will keep you all posted - but at this stage we are encouraging Trekkers to either bring a Support Person, or have your friends fill out the Volunteer Application form.

What are the camping options?

Option 1: Camp in your own tent. You would bring your own tent/mattress/stretcher which you would 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 at camp to set up.

Option 2: Rent a room in our Dorm Tent for an extra fee.

Option 3: Camp in your Horse Truck or Float. If you have built in accommodation that you like staying in then great! We recommend you consider bringing 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

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 or bikes we ask that you take these to the start camp first.

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. We would prefer people to fly into Kaitaia (flying Barrier Air) but this is a limited service, so the second option is Kerikeri flying Air New Zealand. Shuttles will then be planned accordingly.

What does a dorm tent include?

The dorm tents are large tents which have 10 individual rooms in them. We have two tents available, and each room is supplied with a stretcher

How are the horses paddock to ensure they are safe?

Horse safety is high on our priority list so we paddock horses in 3-4 herds in large areas divided by fence or electric tape. The different horse paddocks are numbered/colour coded and your horse is put back into the same herd every night. We have an experienced team of volunteer Wranglers who do their best to ensure there are no issues, and on top of this we have a Night Watch team that keeps an eye out while you are sleeping to make sure all the horses are happy and resting up for the next day of trekking. If any accidents do occur, or you have any concerns, we have the Trek Vets available to answer any questions or fix any problems.

Can I hire a horse?

Yes, there are horses available for hire. The Trek for Life Aotearoa/NZ Charitable Trust does not doo this, but we have a few trusted providers.

If you wish to hire a horse you can contact

• Del Paewai on 06 374 8832 or 027 342 5224 or

• Lisa Paewai ‪0273043649‬.

The cost is usually $1000 but you will need to discuss this directly with your horse provider for exact prices and terms and conditions.

Can my horse be barefoot?

We strongly recommend that horses are shod, due to the fact that there is such varied terrains - including road riding on both gravel and tarseal. If you choose to bring a barefoot horse please be aware that this is most definitely at your own risk and we highly recommend that you consider bringing boots such as Old Mac’s or Cavallo etc. Please note that when planning the trek route we cannot cater to barefoot horses - hence the shoeing recommendation.

What and where do I feed my horse?

We will be supplying FibrePro and Dunstan Coolfeed (or similar products) for you to feed to your horse - all we ask is that you do not feed horses in the communal paddocks. If needed, hay will also be supplied in the paddocks.

Can I be a volunteer?

You can certainly fill out an application! Events like this are not successful without our volunteers! Unfortunately we receive more applications than we have spaces to fill, so then we have to prioritise in based on the skill sets and what will be of benefit to the Trek and the people on it.

How fit do I (my horse) need to be?

As fit as possible! We aim to keep the route to between 25-35km per day, however in the past (for various reasons) we have had to do up to 40km per day. It is also important to remember that this is multiple days of trekking (3 days, then a rest day, then another 3 days), and this can take a greater toll on the body. There is also varied terrain, a few hills and a fair amount of beach in the first few days!

I need to have my horse transported

We are recommending contacting TFS Horse Transport if you need someone to transport your horse, as they have successfully transported horses in the past. Alternatively, you are welcome to post on our Facebook page as there might be others who are in the same position - or there may be people with a spare space who are willing to bring your horse for a contribution.