Call for Trampers to Help Boost Outdoor Safety
Media Release
NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is calling on hikers and trampers around the motu to help other walkers this autumn by sharing a review on Plan My Walk.
MSC has set the ambitious goal of reaching 10,000 Plan My Walk reviews by the end of the tramping season and has launched a competition to promote the challenge.
User reviews offer a personal account of a track, hut or campsite, including useful tips and recommendations. These real-life experiences provide significant value for others who are researching or planning a trip, and contribute to improved outdoor safety.
Everyone sharing their experiences on Plan My Walk until the end of April 2025 will automatically enter the draw to win one of five $500 vouchers for new gear from their favourite NZ outdoor store.
There are now more than 8,500 reviews on Plan My Walk, with a spike in the past two months since the competition launched. MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley is delighted with the response.
We’re excited that Kiwis are getting on board with our challenge and hope that others will join in, as every review helps someone else plan a better, safer adventure,– says Mike.
“Plan My Walk reviews are an invaluable source of information for anyone planning an outdoor adventure. Our research shows that reviews influence decision-making and are highly valued by Plan My Walk users,” says Mike.
Along with reviews, Plan My Walk brings together essential safety information on over 3,000 tracks, huts and campsites. This includes MetService weather forecasts and warnings, alerts, gear lists, and a quick and easy trip planning tool.
“Plan My Walk is helping hundreds of thousands of Kiwis improve their outdoor safety with all the essential information in one place. Now is the perfect time to give back by sharing a review of your adventure,” says Mike.
What makes a great review?
- Reflections | Describe your experience and any learnings. What worked well and what would you do differently next time? Perhaps you'd walk the route anticlockwise, take different gear, like walking poles, or use different footwear.
- Context | Is your review about a walk you did in the blazing sun with a group of children? Perhaps it was in the middle of winter with a group of alpine experts. Including key details like this helps others make smart decisions.
- Photos | Choose photos that show the terrain, any tricky areas on the track, river crossings, or parts that you found surprising or challenging.
Competition terms and Conditions
- Competition period | 1 December 2024 - 30 April 2025.
- Review must be a minimum of 10 words and 1 photo.
- Reviews must be unique and reflect a genuine experience within the competition timeframe.
- Entrants must be 18 years of older and living in New Zealand.
PHOTO CREDIT Jennifer Parkes | Backyard family