Seeking gaiters advice for NZ Great Walks

[sim1oz]

We are planning to walk on the Routeburn, Greenstone/Caples, and Kepler Tracks next February. In Australia I usually wear knee-length gaiters to keep stuff out of my shoes, protect my calves from being scratched, and for peace of mind as an extra layer of protection against snakes. The tracks on the Great Walks look pretty clear in the photographs and I don't need to worry about snakes so I am wondering, are gaiters necessary for a summer tramp?

I've got some nifty little lightweight ankle gaiters which I could wear instead to keep stuff out of my shoes. They are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable.

[whitefang]

I'd say go for the ankle gaiters. I didn't wear gaiters at all on the Kepler Track and my socks suffered from all the dirt that got in my shoes.

[wayno]

the tracks are clear, ankle, theres a lot of loose metal and grit

[bernieq]

Definitely not needed for scratch protection (and obviously snakes aren't an issue ) but grit in boots is always an annoyance.

I also wear knee-length gaiters (and 3/4 shorts) - in Aus and NZ. I'd still wear them on a Great Walk.

[wayno]

you'll need a helmet for the Haasts eagles that attack from above...

[sim1oz]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Much appreciated.

Wayno, I just got 'swooped' for the very first time yesterday. It came from behind and the swish of its wings was what gave me some warning. I scared that bird away! Haasts eagles sound a bit scary though...

[Bluegum Mic]

Can you take me with you =D
I'd wear your shorty gaiters to keep debris out.

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[wayno]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. Much appreciated.

Wayno, I just got 'swooped' for the very first time yesterday. It came from behind and the swish of its wings was what gave me some warning. I scared that bird away! Haasts eagles sound a bit scary though...

that was probably one of those Aussie magpies... haasts eagle should be scary, worlds biggest everm mainstay of their diet was Moas, and they are extinct the maori's claimed they would kill children.

[sim1oz]

@Bluegum Mic, you are welcome to come with I've wanted to do this trip for years so we are jamming in 10 days walking and 2 days paddling into 2 weeks! Now my hubby has hurt his back and I'm hoping he will be better in time.

@wayno, apparently their wing span was 2-3m. They would have been magnificent to see flying when they still lived.