Recent turbulent weather prompts safety reminder for hikers
Following recent storms and flooding across the motu, along with the sudden arrival of wintry conditions, NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is reminding hikers, trampers and hunters to be prepared for all conditions this ANZAC weekend.
“Anyone planning to head into the outdoors this long weekend needs to keep up to date with the forecast and be prepared for changeable, colder conditions and shorter days,” says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley.
Even on short walks or a quick hunt out the back of the farm, Daisley says it is essential to carry extra warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a warm hat, gloves and a head torch.
“You may set off in sunshine, but temperatures will drop quickly once the sun sets. It’s also easy for people to get caught out by the shorter daylight hours and find themselves walking in the dark.”
If rain is forecast in the area, consider how it will impact the trip.
“The ground is already saturated in many parts of the country, so it won’t take much to cause flooding, rivers to rise and slips,” says Daisley. “Research your trip, and if there’s an unbridged stream or river crossing on your route, you may need to change your plans."
MSC warns that many tracks may have sustained damage from fallen branches and trees, slips and flooding during the recent severe weather. Hikers and hunters are urged to factor this into their planning, including identifying alternative routes and places where they could backtrack to a hut or shelter if they did come across substantial damage.
“Check track alerts on Plan My Walk before you head out, but be aware that you may be the first to come across damage to tracks or infrastructure,” says Daisley. “Allow extra time for your journey, and pack essential emergency gear as you may be forced to turn around or change your route.”
MSC recommends taking an extra day’s food, an emergency shelter like a tent, tarp, bivvy bag or bothy bag, and a reliable comms device, like a personal locator beacon.
An emergency shelter is vital. You don’t want to be an hour from your destination and be stopped by a slip or washed-out section of track with no shelter available,– says Daisley.
A two-way comms device, like an inReach or eligible mobile with satellite texting capability, is a useful addition as it allows people to update their emergency contact if their plans change.
Anyone who comes across significant damage to tracks or infrastructure should report any concerns to the Department of Conservation or the local council when they get home, and leave a track review in Plan My Walk to help inform others of what to expect.
Key safety reminders
- Check the weather forecast: Conditions remain highly changeable across the country, so stay up to date.
- Pack for colder conditions: Include extra warm layers, a waterproof jacket, a warm hat and gloves.
- Factor in shorter daylight hours: Leave earlier than you usually do for a trip and carry a headtorch.
- Check Plan My Walk for track alerts: Recent severe weather may have damaged tracks.
- Be prepared for unreported damage: Allow extra time and carry essential emergency gear in case you need to turn back or change your route.
- Have a Plan B: Identify alternative routes and safe places to retreat to such as huts or shelters.
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
- NZ 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 | Zack Williams, Plan My Walk | Inland Pack Track