Plan & prepare
Plan ahead! Think before your trip - about weather, equipment and safety.
Know where you're going, the nature of the terrain and possible hazards. Know what you need to take and the level of skills and experience needed for the trip.
Remember - your safety is your responsibility. Let someone know before you go. Leave details of your trip intentions with a responsible person or police station and don't forget to check in when you get back.
Check the latest information about weather, conditions and facilities - before you venture out. Always be prepared for the worst conditions.
Have the right skills and equipment - choose a trip suitable for the skills, knowledge and experience of your group - be realistic. Hire a Mountain Radio, satellite phone or personal locator beacon (PLB) for backup.
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) publications 'Going bush?', 'Hypothermia', 'Survival' and 'Radio Communications' are essential for trip planning. Download from www.mountainsafety.org.nz or get copies from visitor centres nationwide. You could also undertake MSC training.
Read outdoor safety and survival publications. Travel with skilled and experienced people and learn from them.
Learn basic bushcraft and outdoor first aid. Be aware of the causes and symptoms of hypothermia and know how to treat it. Treat rivers with respect.
Weather
New Zealand's backcountry weather changes rapidly and it can be very cold and wet at any time of the year. For weather reports contact contact the NZ weather service, phone 0900 999 + the Area Code for the region (charged service) or visit www.metservice.co.nz
Before you venture into the backcountry check the latest hut and track condition details, collect maps and other information at the nearest DOC visitor and information centre.
Plan ahead
Before your trip think - about weather, equipment and safety.
Aim to leave no trace. Toitu te whenua (Leave the land undisturbed).
- Leave huts clean and secure - as you would like to find them
- Carry it in, carry it out - all your rubbish
- Use fuel stoves for cooking instead of firewood. If you need to light a fire put water on the ashes before leaving.
- Hut log books may help save your life, please fill them in
- Be considerate of other hut users
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