New Map Technology for Plan My Walk Boosts Hiker Safety
Media Release
Hikers and trampers now have access to new map technology on Plan My Walk, NZ Mountain Safety Council’s (MSC) free trip-planning app and website, helping make outdoor adventures easier to plan and safer.
The aerial and topographical maps have been introduced thanks to a collaboration between MSC and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).
The enhanced LINZ mapping experience allows Plan My Walk users to view the backcountry in greater detail, including contours, hills and slopes, that more accurately reflects the terrain.
“We’re excited to be partnering with LINZ to give adventurers access to these detailed maps, providing another tool for planning their outdoor adventures,” says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley.
As part of the Plan My Walk update, users will also enjoy a new personalised map feature. Users’ maps will now show distinctive symbols of the tracks, huts and campsites they have completed or saved to their Plan My Walk wishlist.
“With the new personalised map views, it’s easier for users to plan future trips. They can also clearly see and celebrate their past achievements,” ‘says Mike.
A range of accessibility, useability and performance upgrades have been rolled out across the platform.
“Plan My Walk is now easier to use for everyone, including those using adaptive devices such as screen readers,” says Mike. “New accessibility improvements assist those with visual impairments, including colour blindness, to more easily navigate the app and website.”
All updates are now live across the Plan My Walk website and apps. The free app is available on the Google Play Store and iOS App Store.
“We’ll continue to develop Plan My Walk, adding new features and functions that enable an improved user experience and deliver the best possible safety outcomes,” says Mike.
Since its launch in 2021, Plan My Walk has helped over a million walkers, hikers and trampers prepare for safer outdoor adventures with better planning, preparation and decision-making. Between July 2024 and June 2025 alone, more than 750,000 people used Plan My Walk to find information and plan their trips.
Additional Information
The NZ Land Safety Code provides a simple 5-point checklist to help you explore the great outdoors safely:
- 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 for 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 packing easy.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life. Plan My Walks’s trip planner helps you build a 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
- Weather skills | Be prepared for all weather on your next tramp or hike
- River safety skills | Learn essential river crossing skills
PHOTO CREDIT | Caleb Smith | Plan My Walk map