Take care in New Zealand’s outdoors

Help keep NZ’s outdoors beautiful

Follow the Tiaki Promise and Leave No Trace guidelines:

• Take all rubbish home with you and only use designated toilet facilities.

• Respect all wildlife by giving animals space and not feeding them.

• Leave nature undisturbed and never take items away with you.

• Reduce the chance of fire by following fire safety rules.

• You do not require a permit to walk on public tracks. Respect any land owner signage and be considerate of other track users

Be alert in the outdoors

Reduce the risk of getting lost or encountering hazards even on a short walk, stay safe by:

• Following the orange track markers and staying on track. Pay attention to any on-track signs with advice.

• Being observant of where you are on the track and how much further until your destination. Consider how much daylight is left in the day and turn back when needed.

• Never attempt to cross a river that is flooded, take care when deciding if it is safe to cross. Use bridges where possible. Find out more at mountainsafety.org.nz.

Never rely on your mobile phone

Mobile phone coverage (including internet coverage) is very poor in most outdoor areas across NZ and even some small towns in remote areas.

• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Ensure they know what to do if they don’t hear from you, so make sure you tell them when you are back!

• Always carry your phone on you, turn your phone on Flight Mode to save battery while walking.

• You may get cell service on ridgelines/above the bushline. Consider checking your signal on breaks in these parts of your track if needed.

Staying in huts

New Zealand huts don’t have restaurants or staff available (unless you’re on a guided trip and staying at private lodges).

• There are a wide range of sizes and facilities from two bed shelters to 40+ beds. These require you to bring your own cooker, food, gas and sleeping bags.

• Toilets and water are provided, check signage about what water treatment is required.

• Many huts do not require booking and first come, first served. Check if your chosen hut needs to be booked on doc.govt.nz.

What happens in an emergency situation?

An emergency could include getting lost or an injury where you cannot retreat or carry on.

• Stay where you are and apply first aid if required. Then focus on getting shelter, warmth and have food and water.

• Meanwhile your emergency contact should be aware that you are overdue from your walk. They should try to contact you and others on the trip, then try to contact 111 emergency services. The trip details you provided prior should help emergency services find to you.

• If you have an emergency distress beacon, follow the instructions on the device before entering the outdoors and only use in an emergency. This will send a signal to your exact location to emergency services.