Leki Hiking & Nordic Walking Poles
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 tramping?
Yes — particularly for multi-day trips with a loaded pack and on NZ's steep, technical terrain. Trekking poles reduce knee load on descents by up to 25%, engage your upper body on climbs, provide balance on river crossings, and reduce fatigue significantly over a full day on track. Most experienced NZ trampers use poles. If you're doing a Great Walk or any route with significant elevation change, poles are worth having.
What's the difference between Leki aluminium and carbon poles?
Aluminium poles are more durable — they bend under stress rather than snapping. Carbon poles are significantly lighter (often 20–30% lighter) but can fail suddenly under lateral impact. For general NZ tramping — roots, rocks, and river crossings — aluminium is the more practical choice. Carbon suits ultralight trampers and trail runners who prioritise weight and are careful with their gear.
What is Leki's Speed Lock system?
Leki's Speed Lock is an external lever-clamp system for adjusting pole length — push the lever open, slide to length, clamp shut. It's faster and more reliable than the twist-lock systems used on older poles, holds securely under load, and can be operated with gloves on. Most current Leki telescopic poles use Speed Lock 2, which allows micro-adjustment and can be easily recalibrated if it loosens over time.
Do trekking poles help with river crossings in NZ?
Yes — poles significantly improve stability on NZ river crossings, where current, uneven riverbed, and cold water make balance difficult. Plant both poles upstream as an upstream brace, or use the classic tripod technique (poles + feet forming a stable triangle). Leki poles with removable baskets work well in rivers — remove the basket before crossing so it doesn't catch the current. A key safety note: unbuckle your pack hip belt before any crossing so you can shrug the pack off quickly if you fall.
What pole length do I need?
On flat ground, adjust so your elbow is at 90° when holding the grip with the tip planted. For steep NZ descents — which is where you'll use poles most — shorten by 5–10cm to keep your upper body upright and reduce impact through the pole. For sustained climbing, lengthen by 5–10cm for better push-off. Leki telescopic poles cover a wide height range; check the spec for minimum and maximum adjustment if you're at either end of the height spectrum.
How do I care for Leki trekking poles?
Rinse poles with clean water after use in river crossings or salt environments — sand and salt accelerate wear in the locking mechanisms. Fully extend the poles to dry before collapsing for storage; trapped moisture inside the shaft causes corrosion over time. Periodically check the Speed Lock clamp for tightness and recalibrate if needed (Leki includes instructions). Replace worn baskets and tips — Leki spares are widely available and extend pole life significantly.
Why Buy Leki from Dwights?
Dwights is an authorised Leki dealer in New Zealand — genuine German-made product backed by the full manufacturer warranty. We carry NZ-stocked Leki poles with fast delivery. Leki's reputation is built on decades of use by professional mountain guides and serious trampers — the adjustment systems, grip materials and pole construction are genuinely best-in-class.