Rivers are a major hazard in the New Zealand outdoors and are common on a lot of our tramping tracks. Rivers are affected by the weather and snow melt, and can rise and fall very quickly. If you're not experienced in river crossings or identifying unsafe rivers, then choose tracks with bridges and be ready to change plans if needed.
Try our interactive learning tool: How to handle rivers like a pro
What Makes Rivers so Dangerous?
Many popular tracks have swing bridges or cableways, but not every river is bridged, so trampers often need to cross to carry on along the track.
Unfortunately river crossing deaths occur frequently in New Zealand, so you need skill and sound judgement. Take all river crossings seriously. If in doubt, do not cross.
What often goes wrong?
- No alternative. Following rainfall, rivers will rise, sometimes very quickly. Particularly when it is raining, stopping and waiting for the river level to drop can be unpleasant, so people are motivated to cross in order to get to their destination where it is dry. Simply waiting for a few hours will usually be enough for a river level to drop again. So ensure you are ready for this by taking an emergency shelter and extra food.
- Taking a shortcut. Occasionally trampers have been in a rush to get out before dark, and have decided to take a short-cut by crossing a river, even though there was a bridge only a short distance away. Planning your trip effectively so you can achieve your goal and also have alternative routes set will avoid you getting in a similar situation.
You Approach a River...
STOP AND DISCUSS AS A GROUP
Do We Need to Cross?
- Is there a bridge or alternate track?
- How comfortable and experienced is everyone in the group to make a crossing?
- Unless you are experienced, do not attempt to cross alone. Either wait for another party to support, find a bridge or an alternative track.
Is the River Safe to Cross?
- Water moving faster than normal walking pace
- Discoloured, cloudy, surging water
- Debris in the river such as tree branches
The River is Unsafe, What Now?
- Wait for the river to drop, pitch a tent or seek shelter if needed
- Use a 'Plan B' on your map and detour using a track that doesn't require crossing the river
- Return the way you came
The River is Deemed Safe, Choose a Crossing Point
Use crossing points you know already, but don’t plunge in, it could have changed. Observe the river from a high point for a better view and consider the following:
Before You Go Outdoors
- Preparation is crucial. During trip planning identify points where you willneed to cross rivers. For each, identify what your plan will be if the river is unsafe to cross.
- Look for where bridges are on your intended route
- Check the weather forecast and any track alerts using PlanMyWalk.nz
- Consider alternative routes or where you can backtrack if it is unsafe to cross
- Pack a shelter, warm clothes and food in case you have to wait out a swollen river. Put everything in a waterproof bag or dry sack, and spread important items amongst your group.
- Have a plan if you need to wait, such as take a communications device to tell your trusted contact you will be late
Download a basic essential gear list here.
What to Do Next
Continue your preparation with our online resources, there is still plenty to learn to ensure for a safe and enjoyable trip!
Explore Our Resources
- Try our interactive tool | and learn about River Safety.
- Read our river safety info-sheet | A one-pager introducing you to river safety
- Get more skills | Navigation, Trip Planning and more essentials in our Skills Section
- Read our manuals | Access the NZ Bushcraft Manual and other digitised resources here
- Watch our how-to videos | There are plenty more and useful tips in our video section
- Plan My Walk app | Use our free planning tool to choose tracks, get alerts, build a gear list and share your plan with others before you go.