Camping in New Zealand is very safe, with extremely low levels of incidents reported. Of the thousands of people who need emergency treatment each year through our Search and Rescue service only a handful are campers.
Hiking and mountain bike incidents are significantly higher. Being unprepared is by far the biggest reason people encounter problems.
Read the weekly weather report
While it’s almost impossible to predict the weather accurately in New Zealand, it’s helpful to consult the weather reports for the week leading up to your trip.
You won’t be able to know for sure, but you’ll get a fairly good idea what condition the tracks and rivers will be in – you won’t want to head into the hills if it’s been raining consistently in the days preceding your trip.
And you certainly shouldn’t embark on a hike or bike ride in an area with extreme weather warnings.
Check New Zealand’s weather online at www.metservice.co.nz and visit the local DOC Visitor Centre before you set out for the most recent updates on track closures, hazards and warnings.
Know your limits
Over the past few years, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Mountain Safety Council have increasingly been reporting rescues involving international tourists.
The main reasons for the rise in tramping incidents are lack of preparation and inexperienced hikers and bikers stepping too far outside their comfort zone.
In New Zealand, things can change very quickly – rivers can suddenly swell and weather in the bush can rapidly close in.
Anyone heading in to the bush must go prepared for the worst – this means packing:
- More food and water than you think you need (on an overnight hike, pack an extra days food; even on short walks take high energy snacks and plenty of water)
- Layers of warm clothing and waterproofs (even in the height of summer)
- Sun protection (including sunglasses, sunscreen and brimmed hat)
- First Aid kit (a basic kit including a whistle, survival blanket, panadol, bandages and dressings can help save your life if anything goes wrong)
- Compass and map (if you don’t know how to use them, find out!)
- Small torch or headlamp
- Insect repellant
Tell someone your intentions
Before you start your tramp or bike ride, be sure to tell someone what your plans are, even if you’re only heading off on a day walk or short bike ride.
Consider telling your accommodation provider and drop in to the nearest DOC visitor centre to fill in the intentions book.
If you’re staying overnight in a DOC hut, be sure to write your details in the visitors book so your steps can be more easily traced in case of emergency.
And of course, don’t forget to let your contacts know you’ve arrived back safely – otherwise an unnecessary search could be launched in your honour!
We provide all our customers with free safety information from the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council – please be sure to read it.
Don’t freedom camp
Not only are you placing New Zealand’s precious natural environment at risk, you are also placing yourself and loved ones travelling with you at considerable risk of attack, theft and other criminal activity.
Do everyone a favour and only stay in organised campgrounds. Take a look at www.doc.govt.nz for more information.