3 easy ways to ditch the heavy pack on your next hike

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Want to know a little hack seasoned walkers swear by for effortless travel? It's to carry less.

Seems simple enough, right? But what about managing all the gear and clothing you need? Well, that’s where luggage transfers come in: your ultimate trail buddy for long, complicated or remote multi-day hikes.

With less to carry on the trail, you’ll feel lighter, walk further, and embrace the freedom to roam without the extra weight on your knees and back. Not to mention, you’ll skip the hassle of moving heavy gear from one accommodation to the next – it’s like the stress just *poofs* disappears.

Ready to roam unburdened? Here are three ways to explore more and make your next active holiday a breeze.

1. Unpack once during your walk: Centre-based stays

Forget the hassle of packing and unpacking at every stop. With a centre-based walking holiday, you’ll settle into one accommodation – your cosy basecamp – for the entire trip when out on the trails.

Set out on new walking adventures each day, then return to the comfort of your base to relax without the stress of constantly moving your gear.

All smiles on the Haurata Trails

Best centre-based walking trips in the North Island:

2. Leave the heavy lifting behind: Lodge-based self-guided hikes

Enjoy having your luggage and gear seamlessly transferred between accommodations, so all you need to carry on the trail is a light daypack for all – or most – of your hike. On lodge-based self-guided hikes organised through the Great Walks of New Zealand, you combine the freedom of independent travel with the benefits of an organised tour.

Walk at your own pace, stop to admire the views, or linger at a scenic picnic spot – it’s your journey to enjoy. At the end of each day, unwind in cosy lodges, cottages, or farmhouses nestled in scenically located spots.

Best South Island self-guided trips with luggage transfers:

View all self-guided walks →

3. When everything’s accounted for: Guided experiences

Love the idea of going on holiday where all you need to do is show up? Going guided means everything is sorted – meals, accommodation, transfers and navigation – leaving you free to soak up the scenery, connect with fellow walkers, and explore remote spots, all with a professional local guide leading the way. There’s no need to worry about planning, getting lost, or finding places to eat.

On most trails with Great Walks of New Zealand, luggage transfers are handled for part, or even all, of the journey. But for those more remote hikes, you may need to shoulder your pack for sections of your walk. The silver lining? You leave the food, utensils, and cooking to someone else – ah, what trail bliss!

Rather than going it alone, joining a small group also gives you the chance to see places in a whole new light and discover stories and details you might have missed on your own. With more time spent immersing yourself in experiences, you’ll deepen your connection with your surroundings and those you share it with.