Multi-Day Hiking: Trail Guides & Logistics

There’s a massive difference between a day walk and a multi-day hike—mostly measured in the weight on your back and the quiet you find once the day-trippers head home.

I’m not a hardcore ultralight hiker; I’m an average hiker in my 40s dealing with a few health hurdles, just looking for the best way to see the wilderness without breaking my body.

A hiker standing on a high rocky point overlooking the ocean at Three Capes Track, Tasmania. She wears an Osprey Aura AG pack with a Kula Cloth clipped to the outside.

Whether it’s hiking in sub-alpine regions of New Zealand, navigating the rugged track of the Larapinta, or figuring out how to pack enough gluten-free fuel for a week in the bush, I’ve learned that the best views usually require a bit of sweat and pain, and a lot of planning.

You can find my long-form guides, the gear that actually survives the trail, and the logistics we’ve used to hike across Australia, NZ and beyond below.

MULTI-DAY HIKING AT A GLANCE

Guides: Written for average hikers, not the ultralight—expect manageable logistics and realistic expectations

Bookings: Don’t wing it; most Great Walks and trails in Australia and NZ require permits booked in advance

Water: Reliability is a constant variable; never assume tanks are full in Australia unless it explicitly says so

Safety: Weather doesn’t care about your hike—always carry a PLB and check park alerts before setting off

Nutrition: For me, lightweight, high-energy and gluten-free fuel is the key to enjoying the hike (plus treats!)

Gear: We don’t do “fluff”—we only carry what’s essential and works (and a few extras 😁).

✨ Why I do it: Finding solitude, recharging and reaching places where the natural creation still shines

THE BIG THREE (OUR FAVOURITES)

MILFORD TRACK
GREAT WALK (NZ)

54km into the heart of Fiordland—massive fjord valleys, New Zealand’s tallest waterfall and a lot of rain for the best scenery.

High-altitude alpine landscape on Day 2 of the Routeburn Track, showing the winding river basin, rocky terrain, and dramatic clouds over the Southern Alps.

ROUTEBURN TRACK GREAT WALK (NZ)

Incredible sub-alpine vistas across two national parks. A 33km hike through ancient forest and a distinct Middle Earth feel.

Mount Sonder, Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

LARAPINTA TRACK (AUS)

Rugged desert trekking through the West MacDonnell Ranges. A tough 225km hike that’s literally the best Australia has to offer.

HIKING ESSENTIALS & GEAR

A hiker walks across the unique rocky landscape of Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles) in Australia. Fully geared for a multi-day trek against a backdrop of massive, beehive-like domes. This image highlights the equipment needed for challenging environments, as discussed in the post.

FAVOURITE SMALL
GEAR ITEMS

The little things that make a big difference. A list of the essential small items we never leave behind on a multi-day hike.

View of Heavitree Ranges along the Larapinta Trail, Northern Territory

HOW TO HIKE IN
THE HEAT

How to manage sun, heat, salt and humidity on exposed coastal tracks and on dry, rugged outback trails.

BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO GLUTEN-FREE HIKING

Practical tips for planning lightweight, high-energy, gluten-free meals and snacks for
multi-day adventures.

MORE AUSTRALIAN MULTI-DAY TRAILS

KANGAROO ISLAND WILDERNESS TRAIL (SA)

66km of wild Southern Ocean views and rugged cliffs. Amazing post-fire recovery vegetation and resilient coastal landscapes.

PICCANINNY GORGE (WA) (coming soon)

20km+ remote hike into the heart of Purnululu. Towering beehive domes, side gorges and the raw beauty of the Bungle Bungles.

THREE CAPES TRACK (TAS) (coming soon)

48km along some of the highest sea cliffs in the South. Dramatic Tasmanian scenery and the famous dolerite columns.

MORE NEW ZEALAND MULTI-DAY TRAILS

QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK

71km of coastal ridges in the Marlborough Sounds. Stunning water views and the luxury of pack transfers between lodges.

ABEL TASMAN
COAST TRACK

Golden beaches and coastal forest across 60km. A mix of stunning scenery, tides, water taxis and easy-going beach walking.

HEAPHY TRACK
(coming soon)

Diverse landscapes through Kahurangi National Park for 78km. Tussock downs, lush rainforest and iconic nikau palms.

More Adventures: From remote camping spots to 4WD-only national park tracks, find more inspiration on the Outdoor Adventures page.

The Essentials: Check out my Hiking Gear post for the big and small things I actually use.

MULTI-DAY HIKING: TRAILS, VISTAS AND A HEAVY PACK