Preparedness Urged for Day Trips Following Recent Rescues Events
As the summer season approaches, New Zealand's breathtaking trails beckon hikers and trail runners. However, the allure of the great outdoors comes with a responsibility to ensure safety. The New Zealand Land Safety Code and various experts offer essential tips to help you explore the country's scenic trails safely.
The Land Safety Code recommends a 5-point checklist for a secure adventure. This includes learning about your route, ensuring you have the necessary skills, checking the weather forecast, packing warm clothes and extra food, and informing a trusted person of your trip details and carrying a distress beacon.
One crucial aspect of the checklist is the emphasis on planning ahead, regardless of trip duration. This is echoed by Mike, the MSC Chief Executive, who stresses the importance of proper preparation.
Plan My Walk, a free and user-friendly tool, provides essential information such as recommended gear lists, weather forecasts, and track alerts. Mike encourages its use to prepare for outdoor activities this summer.
Before setting out, it's essential to check the weather frequently. New Zealand's weather can change rapidly, especially in mountainous or coastal areas, so always review the forecast before starting your journey and be ready to adjust your plans if conditions worsen.
Knowing your route well is another crucial safety measure. Stick to well-marked tracks, carry a map or download offline trail apps, and plan your timing carefully. Underestimating distances or time is common, particularly if stopping for photos.
Wearing appropriate gear is also essential. Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners, layered clothing to accommodate temperature shifts, and a waterproof windbreaker are must-haves. The sun is harsh in New Zealand due to the ozone hole, so sun protection with sunscreen and a hat is critical.
Carrying sufficient water and food is also vital. Many trails lack refill stations, so bring at least 2 liters of water per person for challenging hikes like Roy’s Peak. Bring snacks or a packed lunch as food isn’t available on most trails.
Informing someone of your plans—where you are going and your expected return time—is another important safety measure. If alone, check in with your accommodation or a local info center before and after your walk.
Carrying communication devices such as a fully charged mobile phone with coverage if possible, a personal locator beacon (PLB) and/or satellite communicator to alert Search and Rescue if needed, is also advisable. It's also recommended to check cellphone coverage for the area before leaving and to take a light-weight power bank to avoid running out of battery.
Consider hiking poles for tough climbs to reduce knee strain, especially on steep tracks. Travel with others when possible, as there is safety in numbers. If hitchhiking, do so cautiously by noting vehicle details.
Pack for all seasons, even in summer, because high elevation and sudden weather changes may require warm clothing and wind protection.
These combined precautions help ensure safety while enjoying New Zealand’s stunning trails in summer conditions. Unfortunately, incidents such as the recent rescue of a solo day tramper on the Kāpiti Coast, who was found wearing only light clothing and having no food or water, highlight the importance of these safety measures.
MSC is urging day walkers and trail runners to go prepared for outdoor activities this summer. Several rescues this week were of people caught out on day trips after being ill-equipped. Let's make this summer a safe and memorable one by following these essential safety tips.
The Land Safety Code's 5-point checklist for safe adventures advises planning ahead, even for short trips, and using planning tools like Plan My Walk for outdoor activities this summer.
Wearing appropriate gear, such as sturdy shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection, is crucial for outdoor-living and home-and-garden enthusiasts exploring New Zealand's trails, especially during the summer season when sports activities are popular.
