Exploring the wilderness of New Zealand on foot is immensely rewarding and is something that three-quarters of a million people do each year. However, it comes with some unique challenges. Our landscape is rugged, steep, remote and often covered in dense bush or is exposed to wild weather patterns. The weather can be notoriously fickle and changes can occur very quickly. Don’t be surprised if you’re caught in a storm in the middle of summer, especially if your intended journey takes you above 1000m altitude.
Watch how to pack for a tramp below:
Explore NZ tracks on our Alpine Tramping Series:
No two tracks are the same. Each one will require different levels of fitness, equipment and planning. It doesn't take a big injury to slow you or your group down considerably and there are plenty of people who've got lost at a track junction. If you do have an 'incident' in the Kiwi outdoors and you end up spending an unexpected night out the temperature can drop dramatically and its often damp as well. You'll be thankful you planned accordingly – let's get started.
The remoteness of many of New Zealand's tracks means you can't rely on your cellphone if you need help. It's up to you to make smart decisions and tell someone your plans before you head out. That way if you're not back when you expected to be, someone can send out a call for help on your behalf.
The average speed for a group tramping in New Zealand is approximately 3km/h. This varies depending on fitness of group and track difficulty.
A Walk in the Park? is the third insights publication to be released following 'There and Back, 2016' and 'A Hunter’s Tale, 2017'. We now dive into incidents tramping incidents in New Zealand. A Walk in the Park? is the most comprehensive insights exploration that we have undertaken. We’ve found richer and deeper data than we had available for There and Back.
Click to expand the items below and learn what you need to consider of the 5 Outdoor Safety Code Steps:
What would happen if something went wrong such as an injury or you got lost? It is vital to tell someone to raise the alarm if you have not returned. Make sure you tell them details such as: There are good, better and best ways to leave your intentions with someone. Click the link below to find out how: New Zealand’s changeable weather conditions frequently catch out the unprepared. Consider how it might affect your desired trip if weather were to change for example: Learn how to be aware of the weather, how to read the weather in the link below Is the trip achievable for you and the members of your group? Well there are plenty of tracks to choose from in New Zealand so researching before you go is a great way to identify the perfect trip. Involve everyone in planning process and get help from the following resources: What you take with you will make all the difference if something were to go wrong such as getting lost, delayed or injured. Wear the right fabrics. Clothing only retains what heat your body produces. Certain fabrics wick moisture away from the body and retain warmth. Avoid cotton clothing – when cotton gets wet it ceases to insulate you. Wet and cold clothing significantly contributes to hypothermia. Some of the essentials to get you started: Learn more about how to pack for your trip:
Plan your trip
Tell someone your plans
Be aware of the weather
Know your limits
Take Sufficient Supplies
Write in every hut book you come across, even if you're not staying the night - this is the first place Search and Rescue look if they're trying to find you.
Discover tracks with the Department of Conservation
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