Venturing into Nature during this Season's Vacation?
Exploring Aotearoa's Tracks Safely: Top Tips from NZ Mountain Safety Council and New Zealand Police
As the holiday season approaches, many are eager to explore Aotearoa's diverse terrain. To ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience, the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) and New Zealand Police have shared some essential safety tips.
Choose the Right Track
Always research and choose tracks that suit your abilities and the current weather conditions. It's crucial to check the weather forecast and be prepared to alter plans if necessary. Avoid tramping beyond huts in adverse weather, especially in rain, low clouds, or whiteout conditions, as poor visibility can lead to disorientation and increase the risk of falls on slippery rocks.
Essential Safety Gear
Carry essential safety gear on all trips, such as a distress beacon, emergency shelter, and spare food, even on day walks in summer. In winter, additional mountaineering equipment and skills are necessary to handle snow, ice, avalanches, and sub-zero temperatures.
Gain Mountaineering Skills
If you plan to tackle alpine or winter tracks, it's essential to gain mountaineering skills, including navigation in low visibility, avalanche risk assessment and rescue, and skills to safely traverse icy terrain.
Turn Back Before Conditions Worsen
Always err on the side of caution. If the weather deteriorates or track conditions become unsafe, turn back before conditions worsen and do not proceed.
Prepare for Bad Weather
Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected extra night out. Carry a first aid kit, extra food, and an emergency shelter as part of your plan B.
Communication is Key
Senior Sergeant Lea Smith emphasizes the importance of carrying more than one form of communication, protecting cell phones from weather and damage, and considering using marine or mountain radio.
Resources and Apps
The NZ Mountain Safety Council offers the Plan My Walk app and website, which provides over 1600 tracks to choose from, track alerts, MetService weather forecasts and warnings, interactive gear lists, and the ability to send personalized trip plans to group members and emergency contacts.
For Police-specific queries, contact [email protected], and for more information on outdoor safety, visit the NZ Mountain Safety Council website. Helpful resources and videos are also available on the website.
Remember, taking care of yourself and others is crucial: eat, drink, rest, and stick with the group, making decisions together. By following these safety tips, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience in Aotearoa.
During outdoor adventures in Aotearoa, embracing an appropriate lifestyle for home-and-garden living might involve carefully selecting hiking trails suitable for the weather, with a focus on safety. Bringing along essential outdoor-living gear, such as distress beacons and emergency shelters, is crucial to enhance the overall sports experience.
