Outdoor Safety When Hiking in New Zealand 🧭

© Unsplash

How to Plan a Hike: Safety Tips

When it comes to safety tips for hiking in New Zealand, some of the most important ways to stay safe is the preparation and planning before you go.

Where Are You Going?

Obviously, you need to know where you are going to go! Do you know what route you are going to take? Do some research before you leave, such as the route information on the Department of Conservation (DoC) website or ask at a local i-SITE or DoC information centre. For backcountry hikes on unmarked tracks pick up a map and compass with you. It also helps if you know how to use them too! Also, consider if you have the right fitness level for the hike you intend to conquer.

Find out more ways to plan a hike with these 9 Tips to Prepare for a Multi-Day Hike in New Zealand.

Check the Weather

Look on the MetService website to get an idea of the weather forecast. Be prepared for any weather scenario, as the weather can change quickly in New Zealand. However, you should also consider whether it’s worth going ahead with the hike if the forecast is heavy rain, strong winds or snow. Not only can bad weather ruin the enjoyment of the trip but impact your safety.

Find out more about the typical weather by month in What is the Weather Like in New Zealand?

© Pexels

Tell Someone Before You Go

Tell a trusted individual your plans of where you are going, who you’re going with, what transport you’ll use, and the date you are due to return. That trusted someone needs to know what to do should you not return. They should contact you directly and the people you are with on the day you’re due to return. If they get no response about an hour later, then they should call the police at 111.

For a list of things to cover when telling your trusted someone when going on an outdoors adventure, download the Outdoors Intentions Form from the AdventureSmart website.

As a side note, it’s a good idea to have a list of important New Zealand phone numbers for your hike. Take a look at our guide, Important Contacts & Telephone Numbers for Travelling New Zealand.

© Marc Levin on Flickr

What Equipment to Take on a Hike in New Zealand

Of course, it depends on how long you go and how many people are on your trip. One thing is for sure, you need sufficient supplies so pack a little bit of extra food, liquid and clothing. The biggest task will be keeping the load efficient but as light as possible so you are able to manage to carry your backpack.

New Zealand Hiking Packing List

• Shelter – make sure you book the backcountry huts or campsites. With a campsite, you’ll need a lightweight tent
• A warm sleeping bag (four seasons)
• Cooking and food preparation items. If you are taking a cooking appliance, such as a butane gas canister, make sure it is not faulty and use it outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
• First aid kit, including high-factor sunscreen
• Torch and spare batteries
• Emergency survival kit, such as a whistle, matches and pocket knife
• Hire a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), find out where from beacons.org.nz
• Food – high energy value containing proteins, fats and carbohydrates, such as cheese, bread, peanut butter, scroggin, muesli bars, chocolate and barley sugars
• Water
• Clothing – waterproof and windproof jacket, clothing made from wool, polypropylene or polar fleece. Avoid cotton.

Dabble into our outdoor packing lists, such as Camping Essentials Checklist for New Zealand, What is the Best Backpack for New Zealand?, What are the Best Hiking Boots for New Zealand? and New Zealand Packing List: What to Pack for New Zealand.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Safety Tips During the Hike

You may feel insanely organised with all the planning you have done for a hike, but there are just a few things to keep reminding yourself while on the hike:

• Discuss with others on your trip (and yourself) how you are feeling. You don’t want to continue into a situation where you will overexert yourself or do something you cannot handle
• Drink liquid frequently
• Allow time for breaks
• Don’t get too hot while moving – sweat dampens clothes and increases heat loss. That said, put layers on to keep warm enough.

© Pixabay

How to Treat Hypothermia in the Wilderness

With all this preparation and looking after yourself during the hike, issues like hypothermia should be slim but it still pays off to know how to deal with hypothermia should it occur. Hypothermia is when the core body temperature drops to 35°C (95°F) or below. Severe cases can lead to unconsciousness or death.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include deterioration of hand/eye coordination, speaking unclearly, and tripping or falling without reason.

What to Do if Someone in Your Party Has Hypothermia?

If anyone in your hiking group has the above symptoms, you need to:

• Stop!
• Find shelter from the wind or rain
• Replace any wet or damp clothes with dry ones
• Get them into a sleeping bag
• Give them a warm sweet drink (in cold temperatures, it’s worth taking a thermos with you on your hike)
• Place them in the recovery position
• Start CPR, mouth to mouth resuscitation if breathing stops
• Call for help.