A little prep can go a long way this long weekend
MEDIA RELEASE - JAN 20, 2022
Whether you’re staying city side or heading out to explore the region this Wellington Anniversary weekend, the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) asks that you make a plan, small or large.
The Wellington region is jam-packed with accessible tracks meaning there is something for every day of the weekend. However, even if you are in holiday mode cruising around, a short bushwalk still needs a bit of planning, but it’s easy, MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley says.
MetService is forecasting for the sunny settled weather to continue most of the weekend with a touch of rain, but don’t let that get in the way of a good plan.
The free Plan My Walk app, by MSC, supports a Wellington adventure by helping find a local track, before guiding the user through the planning journey: checking the MetService weather, track alerts, a suggested gear list and a shareable plan page.
From the Kapiti Coast to Wellington City, over to the Wairarapa coast and the Tararua Ranges, the weather can differ dramatically which is why just a bit of research can go a long way, Daisley says.
“It’s really easy to underestimate the importance of thorough planning, there are lots of little things that can be easily overlooked and when combined they go a long way to impacting your safety,” Daisley says.
“It’s important to understand your capabilities and skills and make sure you have a ‘plan B’ decided if something, such as the weather, changes.”
MetService Meterologist Lewis Ferris says while the weather will be relatively settled for the weekend, there will be a touch of rain and strong northwesterlies to consider.
“The southerly change that moved through today (Thursday) brings the daytime highs back to around 20°C while the overnight temperatures are back into the mid to low teens,” he says.
“Saturday is looking like the pick of the weekend so if you are planning an overnighter up in the Tararuas bear in mind that the northwest winds will pick up briefly overnight before the next wee southerly change brings a small amount of wet weather on Sunday.
“The winds quickly drop off on Sunday and look to remain light on Monday. Monday does have a risk of further small amounts of rain, mainly on the Wairarapa side of the region,” Ferris says.
Daisley encourages Wellingtonians to make the most of this warm weather and explore a new part of the Wellington region. Here are some of his tips for enjoying the Wellington region’s tracks this anniversary weekend:
- It will be hot - start early, finish early to avoid walking in the heat.
- Take extra water for the long hot days, a jacket for exposed ridgelines and cold valleys, wear the correct footwear and pack a first aid kit, communications device and food.
- For those who haven’t made a plan, either skip the Friday traffic and make a plan at home, or stop along the way and enjoy a short walk.
Follow the NZ Land Safety Code for keeping safe:
- Choose the right trip for you.
- Understand the weather.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help.
- Take care of yourself and each other.
PHOTO: Mākara, M Wingens.