Deal with GPS Etrex20, maps and POI

[Laloutre]

Hey guys, for those who possessed an Etrex 20 GPS here is my advice about maps and POI:

• Etrex can load custom maps like kmz or jnx. Jnx is the best format, look at http://whiter.brinkster.net/en/JNX.shtml
  
• Official topo maps 1:50 000 (like theses one: http://www.topomap.co.nz) in jnx format are available here: http://gwprojects.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=1933
  
• The tricky part is to use non Garmin jnx files. Two ways to do this: hack your gps (with firmware patcher) or suscribe to BirdsEye (but don't buy maps). Have a look at this link to get more informations: http://whiter.brinkster.net/en/JNX.shtml
  
• Get the official kmz trace here: http://www.ollivier.co.nz/trail/TeAraroaTrail.kmz and convert it to gps with gos visualizer(http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/map_input).
  
• Go on http://www.zenbu.co.nz, search for Doc hut and export the result in gpx format.
  
• Go on http://www.zenbu.co.nz, search for Doc campsite and export the result in gpx format.
  
• Don't forget to download Free Wifi POI in gpx format in this adress: http://gwprojects.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1160

Hope this help. I use my (hacked) Etrex20 on the trail and that was great.

[AmyL]

Thanks for the consolidated info about finding track and hut and campsite kmz/gpx files.  

I use an iPhone for my gps/mapping device, so thought I'd add info about that tool.  Use the same gpx files mentioned above, with the Gaia GPS app on an iPhone.  Gaia GPS lets you easily download the LINZ maps AND satellite imagery for offline use, without any fuss or bother.  Pre-load the gpx files (track, campsites, huts, WIFI locations) and the maps and you're good to go.

I haven't hiked the in NZ yet, but plan to hike half the TA trail next year.  I've been using Gaia GPS on the iPhone in other countries and I've been very happy with it.

Full set of info about using an iPhone as GPS device, particularly critical info about battery conservation, is here:  http://adventurealan.com/iphone4gps.htm

Amy