New Zealand Wilderness Safety

Stay warm, stay dry, and stay hydrated. For any hike, prepare yourself for an emergency by packing a first-aid kit, a reflector, a whistle, high-energy food, extra water, rain gear, a hat, mittens, and extra socks. For warmth, wear wool or insulating synthetic materials designed for the outdoors. Cotton is a bad choice since it dries slowly and retains little warmth when wet.

On any hike, however brief, you should pack enough equipment to keep you alive should a disaster occur. For backcountry trips, fill out an intentions book at the nearest DOC office (and sign hut books along the way). Always let someone—a friend, your hostel, a park ranger, or a local hiking organization—know when and where you are going. It may be helpful to set up an emergency plan with friends. Know your physical limits and do not attempt a hike beyond your ability. See Safety and Health, for information on outdoor medical concerns. Weather changes quickly all over New Zealand, especially in mountainous areas— keep your eyes on the skies. The local DOC office will have the latest weather forecasts. A good guide to outdoor survival is How to Stay Alive in the Woods, by Bradford Angier (Macmillan, US$8).

A major hazard in the New Zealand wilderness is crossing swollen rivers. With weather systems constantly skirting across the Tasman Sea, it’s always raining somewhere in New Zealand. In the 19th century, British colonials dubbed drowning in a river the “New Zealand death” because it happened so frequently. The safest bet is to wait it out; river levels generally fall as rapidly as they rise.