Adventurers Supporting Safer Outdoor Trips
With more hikers and trampers expected to head outdoors over the long weekend, NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is encouraging adventurers to leave a review on Plan My Walk to help improve outdoor safety for everyone.
The free trip planning app and website provides safety tools and information on over 3,000 tracks, huts and campsites across the motu.
“We know from our research that Plan My Walk reviews are highly valued by users,” says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley. “Used with other Plan My Walk features, they add another layer of real-world information, helping others know what to expect and choose tracks that suit their interests, skills and experience.”
Between 1 December 2025 and31 January 2026, users posted over 1,350 reviews with more than 1,700 supporting photos.
“We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm from Plan My Walk users so far this summer,”says Mike.“It showcases the incredible community getting out and exploring their backyard, and then generously sharing their experiences to help others.”
As well as an increasing number of user reviews, Plan My Walk provides detailed track descriptions, MetService weather forecasts and warnings, official alerts from track manages such as DOC and local councils, gear lists, and a planning function that makes sharing a trip plan with an emergency contact straightforward.
“Plan My Walk makes it easy to plan a safe and enjoyable trip, whether that’s a day walk, overnight hike with the kids or multi-day tramp,” says Mike. “When you’re back home safety, leaving a review is a simple way to help others stay safe on their adventures.”
MSC recommends hikers and trampers use Plan My Walk in conjunction with the New Zealand Land Safety Code to plan their trips before heading out this weekend. The easy-to-follow, five-point code covers practical advice and safety tips for every trip.
New Zealand Land Safety Code
- Choose the right trip for you. Use Plan My Walk to learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather – it can change fast. Check the forecast and any warnings on Plan My Walk and change your plans if needed.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food so you’re prepared for bad weather and an unexpected night out. The gear lists on Plan My Walk make this easy.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a reliable communication device, like a personal locator beacon, can save your life. Plan My Walk helps you build a solid trip plan and share it with an emergency contact.
- Take care of yourself and each other. Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group, and make decisions together.
Find Out More
- Trip planning | Use Plan My Walk, our free trip planning tool, to choose tracks, build a gear list, get alerts and share trip plans
- New Zealand Land Safety Code | An easy-to-follow, five-point safety guide covering practical advice and tips for every trip
- Weather skills | Be prepared for all weather on your next tramp or hike
PHOTO CREDIT | Matt Ward, Plan My Walk | Albert-Burn Hut Track