Tramping Safety in New Zealand

Choose the trip for the whole group

Match distance, climb, terrain and hazards to the least-experienced person. Check the official route page, access and alerts, then use Plan My Walk to build and share the plan.

Understand the weather

Read the relevant mountain or local forecast and know how rain, wind, temperature and visibility affect the route. Set decision points before exposed terrain, unbridged rivers or a late return makes retreat harder.

Pack for an unplanned delay

Carry waterproof and warm layers, food and an emergency meal, water or treatment, navigation, head torch, emergency shelter, first aid, medication and a suitable emergency communication device. Keep critical items dry.

Share plans and take ways to get help

Give a trusted person the route, group, transport, expected return and exact time to raise the alarm. Mobile service is not assured. Carry a communication system suitable for the remoteness and know how to use it.

Take care of each other

Stay together, eat and drink regularly, manage temperature and speak up when conditions or capability change. Equipment is not permission to cross a flooded river, enter avalanche terrain or continue when the plan is no longer safe.