What to take

Huts on the Whanganui Journey don't have toilet paper. Remember to take this with you.

Equipment unique to Whanganui Journey

These items can be hired as a package from local suppliers.

• Life-jacket
• Kayak or Canadian canoe
• Paddles – include a spare
• Plastic drums/barrels or equivalent for storing food, dry clothes and personal equipment
• Dry bags

Personal equipment

• Small backpack for side trips
• Sleeping bag – 3–4 season
• First aid kit including blister treatment materials - see Mountain Safety Council first aid advice
• Survival kit including survival blanket, whistle, paper, pencil, high energy snack food
• Navigation aids (e.g. map, compass, GPS)
• Torch/flashlight and spare batteries
• Rubbish bag
• Booking confirmation and ID
• Earplugs for communal bunkrooms
• An emergency shelter
• A distress beacon

Cooking and food equipment

• Drink bottle – 1–2 litre capacity
• Eating and cooking utensils – knife, fork, spoon, plate, cup, pot/pan/billy, cleaning kit, tea towel. Check individual huts for what cooking facilities are provided.
• Matches or lighter in waterproof container
• A way to prepare your food and treat your drinking water, in case you do not reach your planned hut/campsite and need to spend an unexpected night out

Toiletries

• Toilet paper (this is not provided at huts and campsites)
• Toiletries, including insect repellent, sunscreen, and personal medication, for example, antihistamine for allergy to wasp stings
• Use a toilet when you see one and be prepared with a backup toilet option
• Information about menstruation in the backcountry

If camping

• Tent
• Sleeping mat
• Ground sheet
• Gas cooker

Clothing

• For multi-day trips you'll need at least one set of clothes to travel in and another dry set to change into at night. 
• Sandals or aqua shoes
• Walking shoes
• Socks – wool or polypropylene
• Shorts – quick dry material
• Shirt – wool or polypropylene
• Under layers, top and bottom – wool or polypropylene
• Mid-layers – wool or polar fleece
• Raincoat – waterproof, windproof with hood
• Overtrousers – wind and waterproof
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sunhat and sunglasses
• Extra socks, underwear, shirt/lightweight jersey

Demin, cotton and hiking boots are not suitable for canoeing in.

Optional

• Lightweight shoes for inside the huts
• Fire starters 

Food

You cannot buy food at the huts or campsites. Carry all the meals and snacks you will need, plus some spare, and a water bottle. We recommend food that is lightweight, fast cooking and high in energy value.

We do not provide emergency food in huts. You will need to carry emergency food supplies in case you are delayed by weather or flooding.

Store your food in a rodent-proof container or bag. This is especially important if you are camping.