New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is calling on hikers and trampers to use the New Zealand Land Safety Code as their go-to guide for safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures this summer.  

“Summer is Aotearoa New Zealand’s peak tramping season and many people will be heading out across the motu to enjoy the great outdoors,” MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said.

“Unfortunately, every year people get into trouble, but with the right planning and preparation, most of these situations are preventable.”

The Land Safety Code is an easy-to-follow five-point guide covering practical advice and safety tips whether you’re heading out on a short walk, demanding day hike, an overnight tramp with the kids or challenging multi-day trip.

Plan My Walk, MSC’s free trip planning tool, makes it easy to put the code into practice, Mike said. 

The free app and website have detailed track descriptions including valuable user reviews, weather forecasts and warnings, gear lists, and a planning function that makes sharing a trip plan with an emergency contact simple.

“By following the code and using Plan My Walk we hope more people will plan thoroughly and keep safety top of mind over the holiday period,” Mike said. 

“We want people to get the most out of their outdoor adventures and make it home safe at the end of the day.”

MSC has launched a series of initiatives to improve tramper safety recently, including a video series of 16 popular tracks, including the Roys Peak Track, as well as another video highlighting the dangers of the Brewster Track.

Read more: Hazardous popular track subject of video

The New Zealand Land Safety Code was redeveloped in 2020 by outdoor safety, and search and rescue organisations, like MSC, the Department of Conservation, and Land Search and Rescue.

New Zealand Land Safety Code:

• Choose the right trip for you. Use Plan My Walk to learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
• Understand the weather – it can change fast. Check the forecast and any warnings on Plan My Walk and change your plans if needed.
• Pack warm clothes and extra food so you’re prepared for bad weather and an unexpected night out. The gear lists on Plan My Walk make this easy.
• Share your plans and take ways to get help. Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life. Plan My Walk helps you build a solid trip plan and share it with an emergency contact.
• Take care of yourself and each other. Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group, and make decisions together.

PHOTO: Supplied