Plan My Walk Satellite Capability Boosts Outdoor Safety
Media Release
The Plan My Walk app, NZ Mountain Safety Council’s (MSC) free trip planning tool, can now be accessed via One NZ Satellite Data, adding another layer of support for adventurers in the outdoors.
The new capability allows One NZ customers with an eligible phone and plan to access the Plan My Walk app in areas without traditional mobile coverage anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand with a clear line of sight to the sky.
MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley welcomes the development as an advancement for outdoor safety.
“Satellite-enabled Plan My Walk is an exciting step forward for outdoor safety. Hikers, trampers, hunters, backcountry skiers and others can now access a range of safety tools while in remote areas,” says Mike.“However, it’s important to remember that thorough trip planning, carrying essential safety gear and careful decision-making remain critical to outdoor safety.”
All Plan My Walk features are available via satellite connectivity, allowing outdoor adventurers to get the latest weather forecasts and warnings from Metservice, official track alerts, NZ Avalanche Advisory updates, and topo and satellite maps when out and about.
In addition to a phone, MSC recommends anyone heading into the outdoors to always take a dedicated navigation aid (such as a downloaded digital or printed map, compass or GPS) and an emergency communication device (such as a personal locator beacon or inReach).
“This advancement adds another layer of support in the backcountry and is likely to be just the beginning of improved connectivity in the outdoors,”says Mike.“We’re continuing to keep at the forefront of these developments for the benefit of outdoor safety.”
Satellite access to Plan My Walk requires a compatible phone with the latest operating system, an eligible One NZ plan, the latest version of the Plan My Walk app, and a clear line of sight to the sky. In dense bush, narrow valleys or gullies, satellite access may be unavailable or intermittent. Using satellite data is slower than other mobile data connections like 4G or 5G.
Find out more
- Trip planning | Use Plan My Walk, our free trip planning tool, to choose tracks, build a gear list, getalertsand share trip plans
- Communications | Explore communication device options and what will work best for your trip
- Weather skills | Be prepared for all weather on your next adventure
PHOTO CREDIT | Caleb Smith