Having the right communication device can be a lifesaver in an emergency.
Your mobile phone may not be enough with New Zealand’s sometimes spotty coverage in the outdoors, even on some short tracks. You should consider carrying a second communication device if you know coverage will be unreliable or if you are unsure.
Two devices could be a mobile phone and a satellite messenger device, or a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). There are a range of devices available with some device types are listed below. We recommend you do research into what works for you ahead of your trip.
Why Take a Communication Device?
There are a number of reasons you'll need to be able to communicate to others. You might:
- Get lost and need rescuing
- Change your route and need to alert a friend
- Be running late and need to stay an extra night
- Want to get updates on the weather along the way
- Get injured or be in an emergency situation and require rescue.
Communication Devices
Remember – if you have a device, learn how to use it.
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your equipment is also important. For example, a mobile phone is easy to use, and you may already have one, but it will be no use if there is no coverage.
Evaluate the device's functions such as coverage area, type of message or signal sent, capabilities of receiving messages, costs vs benefits and lifespan of the device (especially the batteries).
Explore the various options below: While New Zealand’s mobile phone coverage network is good in urban areas, it’s unlikely you’ll have reliable coverage in the backcountry unless you have a compatible satellite messenger device. You may choose to carry your mobile phone ‘just in case,' or for communication at the start/end of your trip, but it should never be relied on as your primary form of communication. When activated, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) sends your exact location to emergency services where they will get to you as soon as possible. Note that Personal Locator Beacons must only be used in life threatening situations. Once activated, the signal is picked up by satellite and/or aircraft. An alert message is relayed to the nearest Local User Terminal (LUT, ground station), which calculates the beacon’s position and sends the data to the Mission Control Centre (MCC). The MCC then sends the information to the RCCNZ, which in turn initiates a class II rescue operation. The beacons operate well with a clear view of the sky; avoid gorges or heavy foliage. Do not turn off once activated. Stay put. If it is a false alarm, get a message to RCCNZ (0508-4RCCNZ, or 0508-472-269 or if outside New Zealand +64 4 577 8030) or Police as soon as possible. Failure to do this may divert SAR resources from genuine emergencies and in doing so may endanger lives. Read more >> We have collated a list of New Zealand hire outlets for PLBs to the best of our knowledge. Please get in touch with us if you know any more places to hire PLBs. How to dispose of an old PLB Old or obsolete beacons need to be disposed of carefully to ensure they are not set off by accident. Do not just throw them away, as a lot of time and money has been spent on search operations to dig beacons out of rubbish tips. The battery needs to be disconnected and the beacon disposed of according to local regulations, as many beacons contain hazardous materials. If you sell or dispose of a registered 406 MHz distress beacon, please let Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) know by phoning 0800 406 111. Satellite messenger devices use the earth’s orbiting satellite systems to send messages or emergency distress notifications. Various devices offer differing services, which can include: distress/emergency signals; pre-programmed text/email messages; free form text/email messages; and route tracking using GPS capabilities. Some devices allow you to use your mobile phone to send texts/calls using the satellite technology. Each device is different, so it is important that you research their specific functions and select one that meets your needs: Satellite phones are similar to mobile phones but use orbiting satellites (as opposed to mobile phone coverage towers) to connect to phone networks. A satellite phone can be used anywhere in the world to connect to domestic and international numbers, provided you have satellite coverage. Coverage will vary depending on your location. For example, being on top of a mountain with a clear view of the sky will give you better coverage and call quality when compared to calling from the bottom of a valley. You only have minutes to live if you are buried in an avalanche. If you are wearing a transceiver you have a significantly higher chance of being found quickly. So, whether you are recreating or working in avalanche prone terrain, you should always wear an avalanche transceiver and carry a shovel and a probe. Transceivers and safety equipment are available for purchase or hire through leading ski and snowboarding shops and outdoor equipment suppliers. The New Zealand Mountain Radio Service is a volunteer group that provides a backcountry communications service with scheduled calls. Here you can hear the weather forecasts or request emergency assistance. You can rent these devices from the services below:
What are they?
How do they work?
Where can you hire one?
Running a backcountry event?
Before leaving
Types of avalanche transceivers:
Where to go for transceivers:
NZ Mountain Radio Service
Helpful hint
It is important to know how to assemble and use your equipment. Make sure you test the batteries, practice setting it up and show everyone how to use it before you go.
Watch our video as we discuss outdoor communication options
What to Do Next
Continue your preparation with our online resources, there is still plenty to learn to ensure for a safe and enjoyable trip!
Explore Our Resources
- Get the skills | in Planning, River Safety and more essentials in our Skills Section
- Read our manuals | Access the NZ Bushcraft Manual and other digitised resources here
- Watch our how-to videos | Learn how to cross a river safely, how to pack and many more useful tips
- Tramping Activity Guide | Read our online guidebook to learn more about communication devices in the outdoors
- Plan My Walk app | Use our free planning tool to choose tracks, get alerts, build a gear list and share your plan with others before you go.