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Uncharted solitary treks in the wilderness for novice hikers traveling alone

Overnight Solo Backcountry Adventurer Offers Guidance for Trips to Aspiring Hut, Copland Track, Fern Burn Hut, Mueller Hut, and Brewster Hut.

Exploring independent hiking excursions for novice wilderness wanderers: 5 off-trail journeys
Exploring independent hiking excursions for novice wilderness wanderers: 5 off-trail journeys

Uncharted solitary treks in the wilderness for novice hikers traveling alone

The outdoors of New Zealand offers a wealth of opportunities for solo trampers, and one guest blogger, known as the Young Adventuress, has recently shared her experiences and recommendations. In this article, we'll explore some of the recommended solo tramps she mentions, along with some essential tips for planning your first overnight solo tramp in the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand.

Challenging Hikes with Stunning Vistas

One of the recommended solo tramps is the Brewster Hut, a challenging hike that requires a river crossing and a steep climb. With unbelievably dramatic vistas, this 5km trail is not for the faint-hearted, as it features a sustained steep gradient all the way to the hut. It's important to note that there is no information about a person named Rebekah Wilson being responsible for the Brewster Hut website, so potential hikers should be prepared to book through the appropriate channels.

Another challenging hike is the Mueller Hut, which sits 1800 metres above sea level and offers 360 views of glaciers, ice cliffs, vertical rock faces, and New Zealand's tallest peak. The walk to Mueller Hut is well marked but can be challenging due to Mt. Cook's famously fickle weather. In winter or when snow is present, the route becomes highly technical, requiring a check-in at the DOC office in Mt Cook Village before heading up if staying the night. Mueller Hut is a serviced hut with a dedicated hut warden, providing comfortable amenities like plenty of lounging space and gas stove tops for cooking.

For those who are new to solo tramping, the author recommends the Matukituki Valley / Aspiring Hut for a first overnight solo tramp. She describes it as a gentle walk with beautiful views, making it an achievable overnight hike for those comfortable with valley walks. Aspiring Hut is a historic stone structure with comfortable amenities like foam mattresses, flushing toilets, and gas cooktops.

Another recommended solo tramp for beginners is the Fern Burn Hut, which offers native bush close to Wanaka. The Motatapu Trail leads to Fern Burn Hut, starting at Glendhu Bay and meandering through farmlands before entering forest. The Copland Track is another recommended solo tramp, with a long 18km walk to Welcome Flat Hut. The track is flat and sidelines a river, but high water levels or winter conditions may require extra attention. Welcome Flat Hut is near natural hot pools, making it a rewarding destination after a long day.

Planning Your First Solo Tramp

Regardless of the tramp you choose, it's crucial to do thorough research on the weather conditions for each location using a resource like Plan My Walk. The author also mentions that she took away lessons from her first solo tramp and that the experience was amazing, despite being hard. She emphasizes the importance of leaving your trip intentions with a trusty pal, especially when venturing into the more challenging hikes like Brewster Hut and Mueller Hut.

The Young Adventuress is a lifelong solo traveler who recently undertook her first solo tramps a few years ago. Her blog posts provide valuable insights and recommendations for those looking to explore the great outdoors of New Zealand on their own. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or new to the world of solo tramping, her experiences and recommendations are sure to inspire your next adventure.

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