Summer 2023/24 Media Guide
Want to get in touch with us over the summer break?
Please contact Rebekah Wilson (Communications Advisor) on 021 190 2930.
If your request is not urgent, please email rebekah.wilson@mountainsafety.org.nz. Emails will not be monitored regularly between 22 Dec and 8 Jan.
We are always more than happy to provide comments, photos and data where we can.
New media releases
- MEDIA RELEASE Heading into the great outdoors these holidays? 2023 Summer release with NZ Police, sent Dec 14
- MEDIA RELEASE | Experience the Paparoa Great Walk in a new safety video launched Dec 5
Please note: When mentioning us, please ensure our organisation name is written in full: NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC).
General summer media comment
Please attribute to NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) Chief Executive:
The NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) has some top tips for those exploring Aotearoa's tracks this summer: do your research and pack appropriately, have a plan B, and share your trip plan with someone you trust.
“Doing your research and finding the right track for you and your group’s abilities is really important. This includes checking the weather forecast and understanding how this can impact your trip. Packing warm layers and waterproof clothing, such as a rain jacket, regardless of the weather forecast is always a smart idea,” MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley says.
“Having a plan B means you are prepared for the unexpected. As part of this it’s a great idea to also carry some emergency supplies, such as a first aid kit, a little extra food, or perhaps an emergency shelter. You can tailor those emergency supplies to suit the length and remoteness of your adventure, for example for any overnight trip a spare day worth of food and an emergency shelter are essential,” Daisley says.
Finally, sharing your trip plan before heading out, including the time you expect to return home, with someone you trust means they can call for help if you’re not back by the agreed time. On remote trips without mobile phone coverage, we recommend you carry a distress beacon.
Need story ideas?
Check out our new videos and campaigns that you can weave into your Summer stories!
New safety video: The Paparoa Track
Our brand new Paparoa Track video was produced in collaboration with Ngāti Waewae and the Department of Conservation. The video guide for mountain bikers and trampers is packed with helpful info, including:
- An overview of the track, huts and amenities
- Tips for how to pack your bike and stay safe on two wheels
- Hazards, decision-making points and track rules
- Essential gear list and safety tips
You can watch the full video in Plan My Walk or on YouTube.
Click here for photos and the video.
*New* Plan My Walk features
This year's Plan My Walk campaign revolves around the message 'Make your adventures even better with Plan My Walk'. We also have two brand-new features that we'd love your help sharing.
Custom Tracks
With our custom track builder, users will be able to drop pins on a map to create their own walking tracks anywhere in New Zealand. They'll still receive track alerts and will be able to share their off-track plans with their emergency contacts easily.
My Gear Lists
Users will be able to create, name and customise their own gear lists to suit their needs. Plus, when they build a trip plan, a list of the items ticked off their gear list will automatically be sent to their emergency contact.
Have a hmmm on your next hike
We've partnered with ACC on a summer safety campaign, specifically focused on preventing injuries in the outdoors. We've got a bunch of assets that could be used in email newsletters or social channels, as well as a landing page with more information on our have a hmmm tips below. Check out our have a hmmm hints and watch our video on our campaign landing page.
Need resources to support your story?
Our website's 'Learn' section has some fantastic content (including interactive learning tools) to help people brush up on their outdoor safety skills, like trip planning, navigation, river safety, and more.
Check out our 'Learn' section here.
Plan My Walk - set text for tramping-related articles
If you are planning to get outdoors and exploring the country’s tracks, it is a really good idea to take some time to learn about your destination and to prepare yourself by using NZ Mountain Safety Council’s Plan My Walk app and website
With over 1600 tracks to choose from, you also get track alerts, MetService weather forecasts and warnings, interactive gear lists; and your personalised trip plan can be sent to group members and your emergency contact. It’s free to use, and the perfect tool for sound summer planning.
How to plan a trip using Plan My Walk:
- Find a track: You can search using the helpful filters or by the map view. Using the search filters, you can find tracks near you based on their difficulty, duration, distance, dog-friendly status and much more. If you can’t find a suitable track you can now build your own custom track!
- Check for track alerts. This is essential information that can change, such as if a track has been closed, or if there are any weather warnings issued.
- Learn about the essential track information, including how to get there and what to expect on track
- Read real track reviews from other users, with photos and difficulty ratings from Plan My Walk’s outdoor community.
- Check the track-specific weather forecasts and warnings, provided in partnership with MetService, NZ’s official public weather forecast provider.
- Create trip gear lists from scratch or start with one of our suggested gear lists and customise it. You can save your custom gear lists to your profile for future use.
- Complete the simple trip plan and share it with your trusted emergency contact.
Plus, watch helpful 3D track videos found only in Plan My Walk, and our award-winning tramping videos on a selection of New Zealand’s most popular tramps and hikes.
Safety videos for 21 popular NZ tracks
These are a great resource to help people who are planning a multi-day tramping or mountain biking trip over summer.
These can be embedded into articles, please use the credit: NZ Mountain Safety Council.
- Kauaeranga Kauri Trail Pinnacles Walk
- Tararua Southern Crossing
- Mt Somers Walkway
- Copland Valley
- Gillespie Pass
- Rees-Dart Circuit
- Milford Track
- Kepler Track
- Mount Taranaki Summit Route
- Routeburn Track
- Mueller Hut Route
- Ben Lomond
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Cascade Saddle Route
- Gertrude Saddle Route
- Robert Ridge
- Waiau Pass
- Pourkirikiri/Travers Saddle
- Richmond Ranges
- Old Ghost Road
- Paparoa Track
Check out the playlist on videos on YouTube
How-to Videos: Tramping and hiking tips
Each video offers essential tips that can support a general tramping safety article.
See the below our most popular videos that can be embedded into articles, please use the credit: NZ Mountain Safety Council.
- How to be ready for all weather
- Managing your temperature
- How to hike like a pro
- How to cross a video safely
NZ Land Safety Code
This essential safety information can be placed at the bottom of outdoor-related articles or used as core safety messages in any outdoor content. Read more about it here.
- Choose the right trip for you. Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather. It can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food. Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help. Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life.
- Take care of yourself and each other. Eat, drink, and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.
Photo library
Find a range of photos here for day hiking, overnight tramping and general tramping here.
Please use the credit: NZ Mountain Safety Council or the photographer where appropriate