Do hikers ever get lost?

No. You don't need a compass or GPS.

a sun hat & suntan lotion are essential. Many get sunburned on the long tramping days.
portable stove & fuel (no cooking facilities are available in the huts)
insect repellent may be needed for sandflies (we saw very few in December, however)
face & lip protection from sun and wind
swim suit
• small binoculars or monocular (for bird identification, etc.)
• cooking utensils (not provided at huts)
• disinfectant alcohol gel

We strongly recommend disinfectant gel (sometimes called instant hand sanitizer) which you use to clean your hands before snack breaks & after toilet stops in the woods. Alcohol gel is essential hiking gear.

You can easily rent gear in Nelson; at Tasman Bay Backpackers & other places. Nelson has at least a dozen gear shops.

Double-bag everything you want to keep dry. Plan for a very wet environment — just in case.