Need2Know: Don’t go missing, go hiking

Don’t go missing, go hiking

After being stuck on our screens from another year with COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to get out and enjoy nature and the sun when you can.

Connecting to nature also brings benefits to mental and physical well-being. Whether that means going for a hīkoi (walk), taking your bike, your dog or your whanāu with you, there are always new tracks to explore on Find My Adventure. However, it’s always important to prepare before going out.

The outdoors can be challenging. There can be anything from steep cliffs to weather changes to a surprise leg cramp. It’s important to plan for anything. Especially any dangerous circumstances that you can avoid.

Don’t forget to tell people where and when you’re going. This stops any unnecessary search parties in your absence and makes the experience a lot more fun, even for the people who stayed home.

If you’re going on a longer walk or off track, remember to bring a distress beacon just in case of emergencies. Many outdoor shops will hire beacons for a small amount for a few days. You may find Pocket Maps our mapping app helpful too if you’re making your own trail off track. The app helps to determine the best publicly accessible areas to discover next.

The Mountain Safety Council shares plenty of knowledge on its website preparing for a trip. These include considering trip planning, supplies, the weather, navigation, general skills, the right communications, river safety, first aid, cooking, camping, emergency situations, firearms and avalanche safety, and environmental care.

Whether the tracks are half an hour or multi-day trips, there’s something for everyone. Luckily in New Zealand, they’re never far from your doorstep.