Walking and Trekking

Tramping is the New Zealand term for walking or trekking. Regardless of how easy or well-trodden a track may seem, tramping presents potential risks that all walkers should be aware of.

The following are a few basic rules of safety that can help avoid problems on the track.

• Remember that your safety is your responsibility.
  
  
• New Zealand's mountains and waterways can be extremely challenging, especially as the weather changes quickly. Intended short treks can be hazardous if you become injured, lose your way or the weather becomes unfavourable.
  
  
• Never go walking alone - you don't have to be climbing a mountain to slip over and break your ankle.
  
  
• Plan, prepare and equip yourself adequately before you set off and remember, New Zealand’s outdoor environment is unlike other countries.
  
  
• If you're heading off on an overnight hike or any backcountry walk, register your intentions at the nearest DOC office (and notify them when you return), or tell a friend or hotel-owner where you're going and when you plan to return. Seek advice first from the local experts on conditions, such as the local i-SITE information centre, DOC centre or the Police.
  
  
• Stick to the track. Most tracks are well marked and maps and track descriptions are available from DOC offices. A compass - and a knowledge of how to use it - is also useful.
  
  
• Sudden weather changes can occur anywhere and at any time. In mountain areas, a sunny day can turn into a freezing white-out within hours. At lower altitudes, a sudden downpour can leave you soaking wet and at risk of hypothermia. Prepare well. Always carry both warm and water-poof gear even if good weather is forecast and seek local advice on weather conditions before heading off. Jeans are not appropriate clothing for hiking.
  
  
• Find out about the weather and check the latest information on track and hut conditions before you go.
  
  
• Choose a trip that suits your skills, knowledge and experience. Be prepared to change your plans if necessary.
  
  
• Dehydration is an issue in any climate. Always carry plenty of water with you. Established tracks often have fresh water sources at camp sites and huts (check in advance) but if you plan to take water from streams, lakes or rivers, you must purify it, preferably by boiling (at least three minutes), or with chemical purifiers or a commercial filter.
  
  
• Carry a sufficient amount of food for your tramp, along with a portable cooker if you're staying out overnight. Lightweight, high energy foods are best. There are no shops or cafes in our natural wilderness areas.
  
  
• Carry a mobile phone in a zip lock plastic bag, but remember they rarely work in the mountains.
  
  
• Hike comfortably - a lightweight backpack and sturdy, worn-in boots are the most important accessories. For overnight walks a quality sleeping bag and (if camping) a tent are also essential.
  
  
• The sun in New Zealand is very strong, particularly in summer. It is recommended to cover-up with a hat, shirt and sun-block if you stay in the sun for longer than 15 minutes.
  
  
• Please do not take any plants or other natural resources from New Zealand’s outdoors.
  

Land Search and Rescue have also developed seven basic outdoor safety tips to help keep you safe in the outdoors.

1. Sign in/sign out. Leave a detailed trip plan with DoC or a friend including a "panic" date, the more details we have about your intentions, the quicker you’ll be rescued if something goes wrong.
   
   
2. Don’t underestimate bad New Zealand weather. Check the forecasts before going into the outdoors for the period you’ll be gone.
   
   
3. Take advice from people who know the area you're planning to tramp or climb.
   
   
4. Rivers can be killers. If it's running too strong to walk through, wait until the levels drop. Be conservative.
   
   
5. Going with others is better than going alone.
   
   
6. Consider using a personal locator beacon, especially if you’re travelling alone.
   
   
7. If lost - seek shelter and stay where you are. Use a torch/camera flash to attract attention at night. Try and position something highly coloured and visible from the air to help a helicopter search during the day.
   

Environmental Care

New Zealand has 14 National Parks and conservation areas covering more than one third of the country. These Parks are reserved for public use and preservation and offer a range of outdoor activities, including mountaineering, skiing, hiking, walking, fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming.

Most of all, however, New Zealand's national parks offer the chance to enjoy an unspoiled landscape. Our environment is precious, and much of New Zealand's flora and fauna is found nowhere else on earth. Please help us protect it for the future, while you enjoy it now.

• Protect New Zealand's unique plants and animals
  
  
• Camp carefully, leaving no trace of your visit
  
  
• Keep streams and lakes clean - avoid using soap or detergents
  
  
• Take care with fires and observe fire-bans
  
  
• Respect our cultural heritage and learn about its significance