Explorer vs Trekker
Compare the free Explorer tier with the paid Trekker subscription.
Two Tiers, One App
Tiki Tours offers two tiers: Explorer (free, forever) and Trekker (paid). Most of the app is free. The Trekker tier exists to fund hosting, DOC data sync, and our 1% donation to Forest & Bird — and to give serious trampers the tools they need in the backcountry.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Explorer (Free) | Trekker (NZ$3.99/mo or NZ$29/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Full trail, hut & campsite catalog | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited trip creation | Yes | Yes |
| Public trip sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Demographic lenses | Yes | Yes |
| Ad-free experience | Yes | Yes |
| Push notifications (trail alerts) | -- | Yes |
| Offline map tile packs | -- | Yes |
| Custom route drawing | -- | Yes |
| GPX import & export | -- | Yes |
| Garmin & Strava sync | -- | Yes |
| Fitness & HR analysis | -- | Yes |
| PDF & iCal export | -- | Yes |
What Explorer Gives You
Explorer is not a trial — it is a fully-featured free tier. You get the complete DOC trail catalog, unlimited trips, public sharing, and demographic lenses. There are no ads, no data limits, and no expiry. If all you need is to discover trails and plan trips, Explorer does the job.
What Trekker Adds
Trekker is designed for trampers who regularly head into areas with no cell coverage, who want fitness insights from their walks, or who use GPX files across multiple apps. The key additions:
- Offline map tile packs — download entire regions (roughly 250 MB per region) so your map works without signal. Essential for multi-day trips in Fiordland, the Tararuas, or anywhere off the main highways.
- Custom routes — draw your own route on the map or import a GPX file from another app. Useful for linking unofficial routes or planning off-track sections.
- Garmin & Strava sync — connect your devices and see heart-rate data, elevation profiles, and fitness stats overlaid on your trip history.
- GPX import & export — bring routes in from other planning tools or export your Tiki Tours trips for use in Garmin, Gaia GPS, or similar.
- Push notifications — get alerts when DOC updates trail conditions or closes tracks on routes you have saved.
- PDF & iCal export — generate a printable trip summary for your pack or add trip dates to your calendar.
Pricing
- Monthly: NZ$3.99/month, cancel anytime
- Annual: NZ$29/year (save ~39% compared to monthly)
Both plans include the full Trekker feature set. No hidden upsells.
The 1% Pledge
1% of all Trekker subscription revenue goes to Forest & Bird, New Zealand's leading independent conservation organisation. This is a permanent commitment, not a promotion — it is in our accounts and visible on the billing page.