Weather Sparks Labour Weekend Warning for Adventurers
Media Release
As wild spring weather lashes the country, NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is urging outdoor adventurers to prepare for all conditions this Labour Weekend.
Severe weather has caused disruption and damage across New Zealand this week, and more heavy rain and damaging winds are forecast to hit on Thursday, impacting much of the country in the lead-up to the long weekend.
“The extreme conditions we’ve seen this week are a timely reminder for outdoor enthusiasts, like hikers, trampers and hunters, to make the weather a key consideration in their preparation,” says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley.
Labour Weekend is traditionally the start of the summer tramping season and many people will have been planning their trips for months. However, it’s essential to consider whether your trip is achievable in the current conditions, with flooded rivers and storm damage likely across many parts of the country.
MSC encourages hikers and trampers to check Plan My Walk, the free trip planning app and website, for the latest alerts, including MetService weather warnings, Department of Conservation (DOC) track updates and NZ Avalanche Advisory danger ratings.
“With the rain and winds throughout the week, some tracks will have sustained damage from flooding, slips, and fallen branches and trees,” says Mike. “It’s essential to check for any track alerts before you go. If you are the first to come across track damage, you should leave a track review in Plan My Walk to inform others and report any concerns to DOC.”
The opening of the country’s most popular Great Walk, the Milford Track, has already been delayed by 2 weeks due to flooding and avalanche damage. DOC plans to reopen the track on 12 November 2025, depending on weather conditions and repairs.
River levels are likely to remain high through the weekend due to rain and spring snowmelt, and MSC stresses that adventurers need to plan ahead for unbridged river crossings.
“If a river is moving faster than walking pace, dirty and discoloured, noisy or is carrying debris like tree branches, it’s unsafe to cross,” says Mike.
If in doubt, stay out – no destination is worth the risk of an unsafe river crossing.
MSC has a range of free resources, including essential river crossing skills, on its website to help people prepare effectively for their trips and make safer decisions.
“Be prepared in case you have to change your plans or wait for a river level to drop,” says Mike.
MSC advises packing an extra day's worth of food, an emergency shelter, and an emergency comms device, like a Personal Locator Beacon.
“Taking a two-way comms device, like an inReach or eligible mobile with satellite text, is also a good idea so you can let your emergency contact know that you've been delayed,” says Mike. “Above all, always be prepared to postpone or change your plans. The best decision is the one that gets you home safe.”
Safety Checklist for Labour Weekend
- Watch the weather forecast and consider how it will impact your trip.
- Check for track alerts on Plan My Walk.
- Plan ahead for river crossings and know the signs of an unsafe river.
- Pack gear in case you are delayed as the weather changes fast in the outdoors.
- Be prepared to postpone your trip or switch to a backup plan.
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 your 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 | Holdsworth area, Wairarapa