Start your summer outdoors the right way
Aotearoa has a taste for adventure as the weather warms up, and the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) and NZ Police are both encouraging a safe start to summer walking and tramping adventures.
Labour weekend Media Release 19 Oct 2022
Labour weekend is traditionally the beginning of the summer tramping season, when those who have hunkered down for the winter take to the hills for a much-needed jaunt in Aotearoa’s backyard.
It could be the first overnight tramp in a few months or the first day walk since autumn, but the long weekend combined with changeable spring weather means planning ahead is as important as ever, MSC and NZ Police say.
MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley says public holidays present the opportunity for an extended adventure and with that requires some extra thinking.
It’s really easy to underestimate the importance of quality planning and preparation, even for short local walks, he says.
“Finding the right track that suits yours, and everyone in your group’s, skills and ability is a good start to planning a safe adventure, as is ensuring that track suits the forecast weather conditions,” Daisley says.
“Before leaving home, packing warm clothes, checking the weather forecast and understanding how that can change and letting that influence your choice of walk.”
Using Plan My Walk by MSC can support trip planning by finding the right track, checking for track alerts and the weather forecast, and ticking off the suggested gear list. This plan can then be sent to group members and emergency contacts.
NZ Police Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Iszard says being prepared is key.
“Make sure you have enough supplies, appropriate clothing and suitable equipment such as maps, a compass, a distress beacon and a cellphone.
It’s also important to leave detailed trip intentions with a reliable contact person and to let them know when to raise the alarm if you don’t return.
“For anyone headed outdoors, a registered distress beacon is the lifeline that can get help to your location in a life-threatening situation. You can rent or buy a distress beacon. Take one with you when you go, it could save your life or someone else’s.”
For more information check out the NZ Mountain Safety Council website or read the Land Safety Code here, and download the Plan My Walk app.
ENDS
- Using the Plan My Walk app can help experienced and beginner trampers find the right track for their abilities, check for any track alerts issued by DOC and MetService weather warnings, and a suggested gear list which can be sent to group members and emergency contacts.
- Explore videos, resources and essential information on the NZ Mountain Safety Council website
- Find out more about beacons and how to register here
For more information and media comments:
Contact MSC Communications Advisor Rebekah Wilson here or the Police media team here.