NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is reminding trampers to plan their trips thoroughly and be prepared for all weather when heading outdoors during Labour Weekend.

Labour Weekend signals the start of the summer tramping season, with many people expected to head out for the first time since winter.

“We know from a survey of our Adventure Voice outdoor research community that many people take a break from tramping during winter,” MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said.

“If that’s you, start small and set realistic expectations for yourself and your group. Dust off your tramping gear and check what needs repairing or replacing before you go.”

Mike recommends the Plan My Walk trip planning tool, which lists thousands of tracks and provides easy access to MetService weather information, Department of Conservation (DOC) track alerts, and NZ Avalanche Advisory forecasts.

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“The weather is notoriously changeable at this time of year, and there have been recent instances where people were ill-equipped and made last-minute decisions to do trips that they hadn’t prepared for,” Mike said. 

“It’s essential to have a clear plan, tell someone where you’re going and pack for all conditions, for both day walks and overnight tramps.”

This means taking a waterproof jacket and extra warm layers, including a hat and gloves. If the trip involves unbridged river crossings, trampers need to know how to identify an unsafe river and be ready to wait it out if the river is too high to cross safely.

This is particularly important in spring, as rivers can be higher due to rain as well as snow melt.

“Take extra food and an emergency shelter, so if the river is up or your plans change, you can hunker down until it drops,” Mike said. 

“It’s also good practice to take an emergency communication device, so you can let your trusted contact know that you’ve been delayed. This will save a whole lot of stress for your loved ones.”

“If the forecast looks bad, it’s never too late to change your plans. We also ask that you respect all DOC track closures, to keep yourself and others safe.”

MSC’s top six tramping tips for Labour Weekend

• Choose the right track for your fitness level
• Take the right gear and check it’s in working order
• Keep an eye on the forecast and weather warnings
• Prepare for higher rivers
• Watch for track alerts
• Be aware that avalanches can run to the valley floor

PHOTO: Supplied