How to keep safe walking in the mountains

 

 

New Zealand has some of the most beautiful and dramatic mountain areas in the world and many of them are easily accessible for day walks or longer tramps (the Kiwi term for “hikes”). For many New Zealanders walking in the mountains is a favourite activity but most of us learn from an early age that you need to treat the mountains with respect and think about health and safety. The main danger factor is the weather. Being an island nation in the Southern Ocean our weather patterns can change very quickly, and a lovely sunny day can soon turn into a cold, wet storm. In preparation of any walk in mountainous areas you need to check the weather forecast and take warm and water-proof clothes. Of course, you should also take enough food and water for the day.

Another thing many visitors to New Zealand don’t realise is that many remote areas do not have cell phone coverage, so if you are walking in the mountains, particularly for longer, overnight tramps, you should consider taking a satellite phone or emergency beacon, just in case you get into trouble. For example, heavy rain might flood rivers and make continuing your walk dangerous, so you might need to stay overnight somewhere. I always go walking or tramping with a torch just in case!