Skills
Alpine Safety
Many of New Zealand's National Parks and the tracks and huts within them can take participants into alpine areas. Read more
Avalanche Safety
Within seconds of an avalanche being triggered, tonnes of snow can surge down a slope reaching speeds of over 100km an hour. This immense force of nature can be fatal. Read more
Clothing and Equipment
If you ask any New Zealand adventurer, they’ll have strong ideas about what should be in your pack, but here’s a list of the essentials. This is a guide only, as the list will change depending on where you're going, how long you’re going for and the weather forecast. Read more
Communications
Having a reliable and accessible communication device can be a lifesaver in an emergency, enabling you to get help when you need it. Access to mobile coverage has improved around New Zealand with the introduction of the One NZ Satellite TXT service in December 2024. Read more
Drinking Water: Keeping Safe Outdoors
Nothing beats a cold, refreshing drink when you’re exploring in the great outdoors. Before rushing in, keep in mind that not all natural waterways – or hut water tanks – are free from bacteria, viruses, parasites or other contaminants. Read more
Emergencies and Survival
Emergency situations can happen at any time in the outdoors. The New Zealand Police, Rescue Coordination Centre and Land Search and Rescue (SAR) provide free emergency assistance in the outdoors. It's important to understand when their services are required, and how to reach them. Read more
Environmental Care
New Zealanders take a lot of pride in their wild places and we try to keep them as clean and tidy as possible, you can help with that too. Read more
Firearms Safety
Safety is our collective responsibility. It is up to every participant to ensure the future for firearms users in New Zealand. We do this by following the arms code and keeping yourself and everyone else safe while using firearms. Read more
Food and Cooking
Whether you're cooking atop a rugged mountain, over a cozy campfire on a remote camping trip or in a rustic backcountry hut, when you’re preparing a meal in the outdoors, it is more than just eating to refuel—it’s time to celebrate your achievement for the day, savour the adventure and… Read more
Leaving Trip Intentions
Telling someone your plans (commonly called ‘leaving your intentions’) is a crucial part of your trip preparation. Leaving your intentions with an emergency contact takes just a few minutes but is key to getting help if something goes wrong. Why it is Important Accidents happen! Read more
Lighting Fires
What’s better than the opportunity to enjoy a fire while camping? Although there are times when fire bans are in place, especially in summer, outdoor fires are one of the perks of camping, particularly in the cooler months. Read more
Mental Shortcuts: How Trampers Can Avoid Heuristics
Heuristics, often referred to as ‘mental shortcuts', play a critical role in our everyday lives, helping us make decisions faster and more efficiently. Read more
Navigation
Learning basic navigation will help keep you safe when venturing into the great outdoors. Read more
River Safety: How to Cross a River Safely
River safety is one of the most important skills for anyone exploring the outdoors in New Zealand. Rivers can rise quickly after heavy rain or due to snowmelt, particularly in spring, turning a tame river into a life-threatening hazard within minutes. Read more
Tramping Skills
By doing a few simple things before and during your trip, you can travel smoothly and safely through New Zealand's outdoors! Explore this section to learn some tips to perfect your tramping skills. Read more
Trip Planning
Planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip. This involves choosing a trip and making a plan that matches your group’s skill level, learning about your route, and assessing the weather forecast and track conditions. Read more
