Tramping, known elsewhere as backpacking, rambling, hill walking or bushwalking, is a popular activity in New Zealand.

In New Zealand, hiking is almost universally referred to as "tramping." This distinctive Kiwi term covers everything from a casual afternoon walk in the "bush" to multi-day expeditions across rugged mountain terrain. The term became established in the local lexicon in the 1920s and reflects the country's deep-rooted culture of exploring the wilderness. While you might hear "hiking" or "trekking" in tourist-heavy areas, locals will always invite you for a "tramp." New Zealand is world-famous for its "Great Walks," such as the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track, which are well-maintained tramping routes that require advance booking. If you are heading out for a shorter, less intensive stroll on a paved or well-defined path, you might also hear it called "bush-walking," but for anything involving a backpack and sturdy boots, "tramping" remains the standard and most authentic term.

In New Zealand, hiking is most commonly called “tramping.”

This is the traditional and widely used term for multi-day wilderness hiking, especially through backcountry areas.

However, you’ll also hear other terms depending on the duration and nature of the walk:

• Day Walk / Day Hike: For shorter hikes that don’t require an overnight stay. The term “hiking” is becoming more common for these, especially among younger generations and international visitors.
• Walking: A general term, often used for easier tracks. The famous “Great Walks” are multi-day hiking trails.
• Bushwalking: Sometimes used, particularly for walks in native forest (“the bush”).

Key things to know:

• “Tramping” carries a sense of adventure, self-sufficiency, and immersion in the backcountry. A tramper is someone who does this activity.
• The network of trails and backcountry huts is world-renowned and maintained by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
• The “Great Walks” are a set of 10 premier tramping tracks (like the Milford Track and Tongariro Alpine Crossing) that require specific bookings.

So, while you can say “hiking” and be understood, using “tramping” will sound like you know the local lingo. If you’re just going for a short day trip on a well-formed track, “going for a walk” is perfectly fine.