Leki Hiking & Nordic Walking Poles

About

Leki is the benchmark brand for trekking poles — German-engineered, trusted by professional guides and recreational trampers across NZ for decades. Their poles are built to handle the specific demands of NZ terrain: steep descents on the Routeburn, long switchbacks on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, river crossings in Fiordland. A quality pair of trekking poles reduces knee load on descents by up to 25%, significantly reduces fatigue on multi-day trips, and improves balance on technical terrain and river crossings. Choosing the Right Leki Pole Aluminium vs carbon: Aluminium poles are more durable and more affordable — the right choice for most trampers. Carbon poles are significantly lighter but can snap under lateral stress. For general NZ tramping, aluminium is the better call unless you're counting grams obsessively. Folding vs telescopic: Telescopic poles adjust to any height and pack down to a manageable length. Folding poles collapse into three sections and are more packable — useful for scrambling sections where you need to stow poles quickly. Leki's Speed Lock system makes telescopic adjustment fast and secure. Anti-shock: Leki's anti-shock system cushions impact on hard downhill terrain — genuinely useful on NZ's rocky descents. On flat or uphill terrain you can lock the anti-shock out to get a firm push-off. Grip material: Cork grips absorb moisture and mould to your hand over time — best for longer trips in warmer conditions. Foam grips are softer and warmer in cold temperatures. Rubber grips are more durable for mixed use. Pole Length As a starting guide, adjust poles so your elbow is at 90° when holding the grip with the tip on flat ground. For steep descents, shorten by 5–10cm; for uphill, lengthen by 5–10cm. Most Leki telescopic poles adjust across a wide enough range to suit most heights. Check the maximum recommended height range before purchasing if you're particularly tall or short. Frequently Asked Questions Are trekking poles worth it for NZ tram