34 minute read
New Zealand Walks: Enjoyable walking on and
Advertisement
Auckland city is built by the eruption of about 50 volcanoes within an area of 1,000 square kilometres, forming the hills, lakes, and basins of the city. When we think of a volcano, we normally visualise a scoria cone (cinder) with a crater mostly at the centre, with a steep conical hill of loose pyroclastic fragments, which are formed by explosive eruptions or lava fountains from usually a single vent. Typical examples are Mt Eden, Mt Wellington, One tree Hill, and Mt Mangere Domain.
All volcanic remains do not, necessarily, have a typical cone with a crater in the middle. It may be just flat, filled with water to form a lake or marsh; and is called a tuff ring (or maar). These maars are formed by explosions caused by hot magma coming in contact with cold groundwater. Lake Pupuke Moana (Takapuna) is a good examples.
However, my purpose is to de-
Above: Mt Eden Volcano crater. Middle left: Mangere Mountain Domain. Below left: The view from the summit of Rangitoto.
scribe how pleasant it is to walk on or around these geo-historical landmarks on which Auckland city is founded. I have seen more than 30 of 50 (60%); walked on and around 15 (30%); and enjoyed often walking on 6 (12%) of them. Being an Aucklander, it would be an atypical not to go see and walk on them, because they are the important landmarks and attractions of Auckland.
I like to discuss here, briefly, six scoria cones and one maar because they are the popular walking areas, and sources of peace and tranquility for the residents living around them.
Mt Eden (Maungawhau): Centrally located; less than 5 km from the city centre, Mt Eden is a scoria cone, which erupted about 15,000 years ago.
The peak (196 m) is the highest natural point in Auckland. It was used as a pā (settlement) site; and also a quarry for Maoris. Being open for the public to drive to the peak (now up to lower car park only), it is a popular walking area, either to climb through winding road or just walk through the lawn and trees, throughout the day. It is good for a couple of hours of relaxation walk with family, and friends.
Mt Wellington (Maungarei): It is Auckland’s second-youngest cinder cone, having erupted around 10,000 years ago. The tihi (summit) is 100 meters from its base. Two large craters were formed in the eruption. One still exists, while the other was
Above right: One Tree Hill. Middle left: Mt Wellington. Below left: Lake-Pupuke Moana, North Shore.
The new VeryFitPro ID205L is an intelligent smart looking Sports Watch and activity tracker that ticks all the boxes.
* Strong and durable 3cm clear glass touch screen display * Skin friendly soft and comfortable wristband strap * Nine exercise modes walking, running, hiking, cycling, treadmill, fitness, mountain climbing, spinning bike and yoga * Many functions: step monitoring function, heart rate monitoring, sleep monitoring, calorie monitoring, call reminder, message reminder, sedentary reminder, alarm reminder, stopwatch, timer, music control, looking at mobile phone, breathing training, time and date display, multi-sport mode (step, calories, speed, distance, active time), daily goal * Raise your hand and the screen will light up. * Customize the face of your Smart Watch to fit your needs. * IP68 Deep Waterproof * Magnetic charging with USB charging cable takes about 2.5 hours for around 10 days usage. * Uses VeryFitPro app Compatible with smart phones that use IOS 8.0/ Android OS 4.4 or later, and Bluetooth 4.0 or later * Colors available: Black and Dark Green Only $99 plus $7.00 P&P
Available now from: Walking New Zealand Shop
P O Box 1922, Palmerston North - Phone 0800-925-546 Fax 06-358-6864 or email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz
filled with a concrete water reservoir in 1960. It was used as a pā, with food storage at its flanks, particularly on the eastern side. The pā was occupied from 1400AD onwards. Around 1822, it was re-named Mount Wellington after the Duke of Wellington.
We normally park the car at the base on Gollan Road and walk up to the trig. It is a very pleasant walk with many beautiful views around. It is about an hour (fast walkers) to two hours walk at a slow pace; depending on how much time is spent on the top enjoying the scenery.
One Tree Hill (182 m; Maungakiekie): It is a cinder cone, which erupted approximately 67,000 years ago. The Maori name Maungakiekie means the “mountain of the Kiekie vine”. Maungakiekie was the largest and most important Maori pa in pre-European times.
Being centrally located within Cornwall Park (Giri, M. Walking New Zealand, October 2019, pp 20-25, #261), it has a lot of walking paths, a circular road going around, and climbing the hill to the top where an obelisk is standing. Walking to the top is very popular for having stunning 360o views not only among the local residents but also among the visiting tourists as well. Cornwall Park provides a popular walking area for Aucklanders for their regular physical exercise.
Mt Roskill (Puketapapa): The Mountain (scoria cone; 110 m), formed by lava fountaining from two craters some 20,000 years ago, is located in Winstone Park towards the southwest end of the suburb. It is one of the many extinct cones and is a part of the Auckland volcanic fields. It was the site of pa and was known as Puketāpapa (“the flat-topped mountain”).
It’s a short, steep climb along the sealed path to the tihi, from where some wonderful views of the Sky Tower, including Mt Eden, One Tree Hill, and Mt Albert are seen.
Mt Mangere Domain (Te Hopuaa- rangi/ Te Pane o Mataaoho): At 106 metre above sea level, Mangere Mountain is the best-preserved volcanic cone in the area and one of the largest scoria cones in the Auckland area, which erupted about 20,000 years ago.
Walking to the top and watching the commanding views of the Ma-
Above: Rangitoto Island seen from Mt. Victoria, Auckland.
Walking New Zealand
magazine is available at all
Freephone 0800 walking
to subscribe to Walking New Zealand magazine Only $84.50 for 12 months
nukau Harbour is a popular exercise among the local residents (Giri, M. Walking New Zealand, March 2022, pp 20-24, #288). It was a major fortified pa during a long period of Māori occupation, but by the mid-18th century, the Maori communities were living on the flatlands around the mountain.
Rangitoto: The Island was formed by the most recent volcanic eruption 600 years ago. It is picturesque; close to Auckland and is connected by a ferry. On the way up, there is a detour to the lava caves which is a must-do on the hike up. Aside from enjoying the walking trails, Rangitoto is also a great spot for kayaking, camping, or exploring the native flora and fauna.
When I first went there, I covered the distance from the wharf to the peak by almost continuously running. Some of the fellow walkers were surprised. The prize of doing this was the stunning 3600 view around.
Lake Pupuke (Pupuke Moana): The lake is heart-shaped, freshwater, large (107 hectre), and about 57m deep volcanic maar, which is about 150,000 years old, located between the suburb of Takapuna and Milford in the Northshore. It is an explosion crater and so forms a basin. Basalt coming from depth finally encountered cold water and blasted large volumes of mud and ash into the air where it fell as a tuff ring roughly where Hurstmere Road skirts Lake Pupuke today. When volcanic activity ceased, the crater was filled with freshwater, forming the maar.
It is commonly used for a wide variety of water sports by the local residents including swimming, diving, boating and fishing.
There are many parks on the rim
PROTEIN BARS
Lightly 40g bar coated in chocolate, these gluten free protein bars are well textured and full of flavour. Combining high protein content with great taste, they will keep you fuller for longer. The 12 pack contains an assortment of 7 flavours Caramel, Espresso, Fudge, Mint, Pineapple, Raspberry, Vanilla Bean.
$29.95 plus $7 Shipping
Available now from: Walking New Zealand Shop
P O Box 1922, Palmerston North Phone 0800-925-546 or email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz of the lake, Killarney; Sylvan; Henderson, and more. The walking trails are in the parks. I have walked along those trails many times. It would be wonderful if a continuous walking trail around the lake is constructed which would perhaps be a two-hour walk (5 km), perfect for regular exercise.
The information on volcanic remains discussed here is very basic. It was difficult to summarise the dates of eruptions and the height of the scoria cones because of the discrepant figures published online.
Reportedly, scoria cones were used by Maoris to make “pa” in ancient times. Now the mountains decorate the Auckland city and facilitate pleasant walking for regular exercises, and provide a serene and tranquil environment for the local residents and tourists, alike.
Warkworth Walks turns lucky 13
Warkworth Walks turns lucky 13 By Luke Williamson
After the disappointment of having to cancel the 2021 event, the Warkworth Walks committee truly hope it’s lucky thirteen this year. The event runs from Friday 4 November to Sunday 6 November 2022.
Brand new to the 2022 programme is the Takatu Rock Hop taking walkers along the southern coastline of Takatu Peninsula, visiting the beaches and bays along the way, and enjoying amazing views of Kawau Bay. The walk culminates in a visit to Omaio, a stunning private garden that you won’t want to miss.
Also new for 2022 is Walk on Water, a walk and kayak combo trail that takes in the gorgeous trails between Snells Beach and Sandspit, and then a kayak trip up the Matakana River where we will disembark and stroll to Matakana village. The best of land and water.
But wait, there’s yet another new trail for this year! For the Kawau Old Coach Road trail, we’ll take the ferry to Kawau Island and walk the little-visited old coach road running along the eastern coast of the island. There are glorious views of the outer Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel Peninsula, and the rocky reefs below. The local guide has lots of stories to tell and there will be some fine hospitality at the end of the road.
The Bigger Big Omaha Trail is going to reverse direction and go south to north this year in the hopes of having a swim at the end. At roughly 19km of uphill and down-dale, this is for serious walkers who enjoy a solid day out with spectacular views over Pakiri and Omaha Bay.
The ever-popular Vineyard Trail was tweaked recently and now includes a visit to Beetopia, an enormously popular stop. Meet the amazing host and her bees, taste the honey
Left: Up and over from one beautiful bay to another on the Mahu West Wonderland Trail.
Warkworth Walks turns lucky 13
Above: Gathering for a briefing at the beginning of the Goat Island to Pakiri Coastal Caper. Middle left: Taking advantage of low tide gives unique view on the Takatu Rock Hopper Trail new for 2022. Below left: The Hoteo and High Country Trail is full of stunning views from east to west. Below right: New for 2022 is the Kawau Old Coach Road Trail featuring local knowlege and hospitality. and buzz around the grounds. Walkers also get to enjoy the artworks at Sculptureum, and visit several local vineyards.
Crowd favourite, Duck Creek Explorer, gets a change up this year to include visits to Bohemian Cider, Mahurangi Olives and a new private trail on Solway Farm. Still full of fun and tastings, it’s sure to sell out again.
Totally Tamahunga takes you to the top of our local maunga through regenerating native forest. Tamahunga is one of the highest points in the region and the historic site of Otamahua pā. There are beautiful views from the summit and a well-deserved lunch stop to look forward to.
Mahu West Wonderland is back so you can enjoy the glorious views,
native bush and gorgeous beaches of Mahurangi West. It’s another recent addition to Auckland Council’s regional park network and you can see it before the rest of Auckland.
Lush native bush, peace and quiet, a solid walk, and a pizza and beer finale are the ingredients in the ever-popular Pohuehue to Puhoi Trail. Take it all in, along with some glimpses of the new northern motorway project.
Mahurangi Masterpiece is a longer walk across beautiful farmland that follows the coastline of Kawau Bay. You’ll see picturesque bays, and some spectacular coastal puriri and pohutukawa. Take a look at Auckland Council’s newest regional park before anyone else gets there.
The coastal classic, Goat Island to Pakiri, is back again this year. There is no finer way to see this magnificent stretch of coastline, incorporating marine reserve, rocky shore, soaring hillsides and white sand beach. Truly splendid.
To cap it all off, venture out west again to walk beside the Hoteo River during the visit to the awardwinning Dill family farm. Enjoy 360° views from coast to coast from the peak of the Kaipara hills.
Make a long weekend of it and take in a selection of the great walks on offer. Check the website and plan your visit. Remember to book early to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing you for Warkworth Walks 2022.
Website: www.warkworthwalks. co.nz
WarkworthWalks
WALKS WORTH DOING Friday-Sunday 4-6 Nov 2022
Above left: The Vineyard Trail always sells out because of the beautiful walking and outstsnding hosts. Above right: The Hoteo and High Country Trail takes time to meander beside the Hoteo River. Middle right: Our guide takes a moment on beautiful Pakiri Beach.
www.warkworthwalks.co.nz
12 fascinating guided trails through the unique & beautiful surrounds of Mahurangi, Kawau, Warkworth & Matakana, including otherwise inaccessible areas & local hospitality. Featuring new & updated walks.
PROTEIN BARS
Lightly 40g bar coated in chocolate, these gluten free protein bars are well textured and full of flavour. Combining high protein content with great taste, they will keep you fuller for longer. The 12 pack contains an assortment of 7 flavours Caramel, Espresso, Fudge, Mint, Pineapple, Raspberry, Vanilla Bean.
$29.95 plus $7 Shipping
Available now from: Walking New Zealand Shop
P O Box 1922, Palmerston North Phone 0800-925-546 or email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz Five ideas for a winter family walk
Here are five tips for taking
a family stroll in winter in Auckland.
When it comes to trails, tracks and tramping, we truly are blessed here in Auckland..
But while it’s tempting to stay wrapped up inside during the chillier months, rounding up the family for a winter walk is well worth the effort. Together you can stay active, explore more of the Auckland region, meet new people, and spend quality Above: Arataki Visitor Centre. time together. Below: Musick Point.
STAY SAFE IN THE OUTDOORS
TakeT a locator beacon with you y when you are hunting, hiking h or working anywhere remotere and make sure you will w be rescued quickly
SPECIAL ACR ResQLink PLB - 400 Only $485
Including P&P Comes with heavy duty pouch
Available for sale or hire
$15 - 1 day $30 - 3 days $40 - 7 days
$30 for every week after your first week of hire
Locator Beacons New Zealand 03 226 6341 or 027 412 2925 www.locatorbeacons.co.nz
1. Winter walks are the ideal way to beat the winter blues
Whether it is a crisp, clear, still day, or a wild West Coast kind of day, going for a walk in winter is invigorating and a great way to banish the blues. Even a brisk 10-minute walk can improve your mood. Getting moving is guaranteed to put a spring in your step, especially with the abundance of gorgeous views on our doorstep.
Plus, with the sun setting earlier at this time of year, you can enjoy catching sunsets at the end of your walk without staying out particularly late.
2. Wonderful winter walks
There are dozens of paths to choose from, whether you want something remote or closer to home, and here are four great ideas you may not have come across.
Mercer Bay Path is a stunning coastal walk and is perfect for a family adventure. The windswept west coast feels even more wild and dramatic during winter.
This loop path takes just under an hour to complete, but make sure you factor in some time to stop and take in the stunning views, particularly at the lookout below the pou of Te Ahua o Hinerangi. Starting at
the track entrance at the southern side of the car park, the path is best enjoyed in a clockwise direction. Be sure to follow the instructions at the cleaning stations to help protect the kauri trees.
Enjoy a scenic bush walk on the Beveridge to Arataki path, which connects Exhibition Drive with the Arataki Visitor Centre, where you can take in stunning high-level views over the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. It’s a shared path, so walkers and cyclists alike should be on the lookout for one another, and it takes roughly an hour to walk this 3.5-kilometre trail.
A hit with the locals, check out the serene and family-friendly Wattle Downs North Path, which runs along the northern coastline of the Wattle Downs peninsula. Mostly flat, pushchair-friendly and with a playground halfway along the two-kilometre path, it’s ideal for a morning or an afternoon outing with the whānau. The path is also great for spotting wading birds including tōrea (oystercatcher) and whitefaced heron.
A walk to Musick Point rewards you with outstanding elevated views over the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. It will take you roughly an hour to reach the end of the trail - or around 30 minutes if you’re on two wheels. There is no separate footpath, so take care of vehicles or wayward balls from the neighbouring Howick Golf Course.
As well as the panoramic vistas, you’ll come away with a history lesson thanks to the former radio transmission station which played an important role in the South Pacific campaign during the Second World War. But there are even more secrets hidden away here, so check it out and all will be revealed.
3. What to wear and what to pack
Make sure everyone has enough layers, including a raincoat. If you get wet, you can get cold – quickly. You’ll need a warm outer layer for when you stop for breaks or snacks. You’ll warm up when walking but cool down fast while stopped. Avoid wearing cotton, as this gets cold when wet.
Wear sturdy footwear in case of slippery or muddy tracks.
Make sure you pack plenty of snacks and water for everyone, as well as sunscreen – you can still get sunburned in winter!
4. Planning your winter walk
First up, check the weather - even if the sun is shining before you set off. As we all know, Auckland weather can turn very quickly, so it’s important to be prepared and know what to expect.
Shorter days mean you’ll need to plan your time carefully. Check how long it will take to complete the trip and allow plenty of time for lunch and rest stops. Make sure you have time to finish the walk in daylight and be prepared to turn back if sunset is approaching.
Wet weather can make tracks slippery and cause streams to rise, so read the track description carefully to check for hazards like stream crossings.
5. Why it’s good to find a walking or tramping community near you
Sometimes being social is the motivation you need to get outdoors in winter. Joining a tramping club means you benefit from going for walks with people with plenty of experience. If you’re not confident or still learning about walking in winter, it’s great for learning more about safety skills. Auckland has a number of different walking clubs ranging from the adventurous to those more focused on flora and fauna.
Foldable Hiking Sticks
* Adjustable from 51cm-110cm * Folds into 4 sections * Compression feel * Comes with handy bag * Made from Aviation Aluminium $39.95 plus $7 Shipping
Available now from: Walking New Zealand Shop
P O Box 1922, Palmerston North Phone 0800-925-546 or email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz
Push Play campaign re-launched
Sport New Zealand launches physical activity campaign to encourage nation to get moving again after COVID disruption.
Sport NZ is relaunching its iconic Push Play campaign - aiming to get New Zealanders up and down the country to add more movement into their day to day lives.
In a nod back to the original Push Play campaign from the 1990s, this rendition invites New Zealanders to Push Play ‘Again’ but with an updated narrative relevant for 2022.
Physical activity levels dropped significantly in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, with adults doing 16% fewer hours. New research from Sport NZ’s Active NZ survey shows that while physical activity rates have rebounded to some degree, it isn’t happening across the board, with some New Zealanders still struggling to get back into the swing of things.
The survey also shows that motivation is still proving to be a key barrier, so the campaign focuses on encouraging kiwis to make the most of local, affordable ways to stay active – without putting a number on how much activity is enough.
Sport NZ Chief Executive, Raelene Castle, says it’s not about what activity you do, or for how long - just take any opportunity to move, more often.
“We’ve seen physical activity drop during COVID-19. Now that there are more freedoms, people are getting back to it – but some groups are still doing less, and we want to see that change.”
“Young people are still not as active as before and people in hardship are more affected. We’re encouraging New Zealanders to take a step towards more activity for all the benefits it can bring – physical and mental – and simply in many cases, for the fun of it.”
Deputy Director of Public Health, Dr Harriette Carr, says regular physical activity is incredibly important for general wellbeing and for the prevention and management of many health conditions.
“This is especially important as we all deal with the disruptions that COVID-19 has caused to our usual routines and way of life.
“Evidence suggests that you are more likely to continue doing an activity if it is part of your daily routine and you enjoy it – and doing a range of activities is also important to maximise the benefits and reduce the risk
of injuries.
“I encourage everyone to do what they can based on their abilities and circumstances and, as ‘Push Play’ has always emphasised, to have fun.”
Raelene Castle says the campaign is about making physical activity simple and achievable.
“Whether that’s walking, online classes or reconnecting with your local sports club. We’re encouraging all New Zealanders to ‘Push Play’ in whatever ways work for them.”
The Push Play campaign features three families in which tamariki take the lead role as coaches and personal trainers to the adults in their lives. Movement is depicted as anything that gets you physically active, and even better if that’s outside in nature. It can be recreation-focused, formal or informal sport or even just playing. Anything counts!
Petra Bagust, Push Play ambassador says:
“How we Push Play changes throughout our lives, just like we do, and of course the lifestyle changes we went through in Covid had a massive impact on our routines.
“The way I play and move my body now is different from when I was featured in the original Push Play campaign in 1999, but what hasn’t changed in the last 23 years are the many benefits of getting moving. “It’s not necessarily about committing to a lofty fitness goal, this is about day to day health and reaping the mental, physical and emotional benefits of being more active, more often.”
Tawera Nikau, Push Play ambassador says:
“Getting out and getting moving is important for us all. It doesn’t matter if you’re throwing a rugby ball around in the backyard or heading out hunting with your mates, it’s all the little things we do in our day to day lives to keep us active, that add up.
“I encourage every Kiwi to think about what Push Play means to them – no matter how big or little – and just get out and do more of that, more often.”
Monty Betham, Push Play ambassador says:
“Movement is an important part of the Kiwi way, but it’s been a challenging couple of years to keep up the motivation.
“When I lack motivation, I double up on discipline, knowing the importance of movement for me personally.
“In order to Push Play, I just encourage every Kiwi to find their own way of moving. Start small if you have to, and stay small if you feel it’s right. Moving is what’s key - consistency over intensity for me - remember you can only ever get momentum from an initial movement.”
PRICES FROM AUGUST 1 2022
FAQ about a distress beacon
By Ruth McKie, DOC Digital Channels Analyst
In this article by Ruth McKie she answers the many questions folk have about a distress beacon also known as PLB.
1: Do I need a beacon?
Yes. Bring a beacon on every trip you do, no matter the difficulty level. You can never predict when you’ll need a beacon – they have a habit of being the most useful when you least expect it. So don’t tempt fate and treat it like packing food on your trip – both equally important to bring.
There are retailers online where you can hire or buy a beacon from. Make sure you register it with the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand – this is a legal requirement and means they have your details and emergency contacts, so they can better direct help to you if you need it. Remember this is a lifesaving piece of equipment and is 100% worth putting those extra dollars in. I’d argue it’s way more worthwhile than buying that new ultralight sleeping bag you’ve been window shopping…
STAY SAFE IN THE OUTDOORS
TakeT a locator beacon with you y when you are hunting, hiking h or working anywhere remotere and make sure you will w be rescued quickly
SPECIAL ACR ResQLink PLB - 400 Only $485
Including P&P Comes with heavy duty pouch
Available for sale or hire
$15 - 1 day $30 - 3 days $40 - 7 days
$30 for every week after your first week of hire
Locator Beacons New Zealand 03 226 6341 or 027 412 2925 www.locatorbeacons.co.nz
2: When should I activate my beacon?
Kiwis are famous for their ‘she’ll be right’ attitude, but this is a dangerous attitude when in the backcountry.
If someone is hurt, don’t wait.
You should be activating your beacon when it has been determined that your group is in an emergency situation.
Sometimes people may want to wait and see if the person improves. But all advice from rescue teams is don’t wait. If you wait, the conditions for the rescue team to get to you could worsen e.g. the weather changes or nightfall comes. The patient could have complications, there could be injuries you can’t see e.g. internal bleeding, a head injury.
If you have any doubt, activate your beacon and let the rescue professionals decide how and when to respond. Enjoying the sunshine breaking through the cloudy, wet, cold day in the hills – tramping isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. : Luke Sutton
Something to remember, which I learnt from the Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team, is when your beacon goes off the alert is received at the Rescue Coordination Centre. From their perspective, each call is the same level of urgency, and they use the network of agencies available to solve the problem as soon as possible.
What this means for you, is that whether it’s day, night, good or bad weather they will look for a way to send help. That might be a helicopter, but if the weather is bad e.g. stormy, cloudy, windy, or the helicopter
doesn’t have the ability to fly at night, it might be a team walking in. It could be a half an hour wait for help or it might take them 12+ hours to walk in.
This is why it’s important to bring emergency food and a shelter/bivvy bag on trips so if you do need to spend an extra night out, you can do so safely.
3: How do I activate my beacon?
When possible, position your beacon in a clear and open area. Point the aerial vertically towards the sky, ideally away from trees, buildings, and mountains. If you are within a ravine or gully, position it at the highest point.
Once activated, keep your beacon turned on and in one place. The more you move around, the harder it is for rescuers to find you. Movement is ok if it improves your situation (moving to a safer or warmer spot) but otherwise stay put.
Often when tramping in bigger groups, you might have several beacons among the group. The decision must be made on who’s beacon will get activated. But a key thing I learned researching is it’s important that you only activate one. Sometimes people think if they activate a few beacons, it might make it easier to find them. But according to the Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team, this isn’t the case.
When a beacon goes off, it might locate you within a 1 km radius of where you actually are. If two beacons are going off in the same spot, for the Rescue Coordination Centre, it could initially look like two groups in trouble up to 1-2 km apart which could require two rescue teams.
However, as the satellite orbits over you every 15 minutess, each pass hones the location giving more refined location details over time. This is also why it’s important to not move your beacon when it’s activated too.
Having multiple beacons activated just causes confusion and could double the number of resources sent than what is required. It could also slow the rescuers down in getting to you as more coordination is needed.
4: What do I do while waiting for help to arrive?
There are five main things you need to do.
1. Tend to the injured person
Make sure the injured person is warm. They ideally should have an insulated mat or tramping pack underneath them to prevent them from getting cold. You might also need to put an emergency blanket over them or a windproof layer. If they’re responsive, then water, food and pain killers might be appropriate. You might need to stop bleeding or try cleaning a wound – be careful though, only try this if you’re confident you aren’t going to cause further complications.
Use common sense – if they’re cold get them warm, if they’re bleeding try to stop it. Be practical. You might need to move them to a better location to take shelter such as a suitable place to set up your tent. Moving is okay only if it won’t cause further injury and the new spot is warmer, dryer, safer. Just take your beacon with you and keep it on.
2. Check on yourself and the group
Just like on the aeroplane safety videos, you need to put your own mask on before helping others so make sure you are warm and hydrated before helping everyone else.
An important thing I observed, is you don’t know how the experience could affect you or your group mentally. It’s not an easy thing watching someone you care about getting hurt and taken away, especially once the adrenaline fades away.
Simple things might be harder to do, and a distracted mind could lead to others in the group getting hurt or getting lost. Help each other and be considerate of those that were shaken by the incident.
3. Sort out gear
Once you’ve done what you can to make sure the group and injured person is ok, the next task is to sort your gear/packs. Most of the time (except for exceptional circumstances) the helicopter will only take the injured person and their pack with them. The rest of the party will need to walk out when safe to do so (you might even have to wait/camp overnight till it’s safe to continue walking).
So, make sure any essential gear the injured person is carrying (e.g. car keys, gas, cooker, tent, map, GPS) stays with the remaining group.
4. Record details and important information
If it’s someone you don’t know, swap contact details in case you need to get in touch later.
Write down details of the accident for the rescue team, including phone numbers of family/friends, any allergies, medication they’re on or have taken that day. Your location, weather, any observations with the patient’s condition.
Below left: Taking a group break to check on each other, layer up in the cold wind and adjust my boots.
Photo by Luke Sutton
Below right: The sunrise from my tent which I always pack on trips in case I need emergency shelter. Photo
by Ruth McKie
FAQ about a distress beacon
5. Make yourselves visible
Make yourself as easy to find as possible – the terrain and bush can make it tricky. Put bright coloured clothing or pack liners in the clearing/ riverbed/ ridgeline/ flat area for rescuers to spot you easier.
Keep an ear out for the helicopter. You can shake trees to help them see you, and if it’s nighttime, turn your torches on. Even your cell phone light can be helpful. Remember if the weather is bad, it might not be a helicopter coming for you but a team on foot so keep a close look out.
6. Prepare for the helicopter arrival
Once you’ve been spotted, secure any loose items including clothing that could be swept away with the downdraft. If the helicopter is landing, keep down, and only approach when the pilot tells you it’s safe to do so. Keep clear of the rotor blades and always stay at the front of the helicopter away from the tail. If they decide to use a winch – they will tell you what to do.
Once help arrives, it’s important you ask the responding rescuers to turn your beacon off, so you don’t cause further confusion!
Don’t turn the beacon off as soon as you see the helicopter – if they can’t land, they might need to return later. Always wait till you are attended to on the scene and ask if it’s ok to turn it off first. The batteries will last a minimum of 24 hours when activated (depending on your model).
Hopefully, you’re at the point which every distress beacon news story sums up with “and then the helicopter arrived and took the person away safely where they recovered quickly with medical attention.”
5: What do I do after the trip?
Contact your emergency contacts and check your beacon battery.
If your beacon was used, your emergency contacts registered with the beacon would have been alerted, so call them and let them know you’re ok.
An important thing to consider, if you didn’t leave your trip intentions with the people registered as emergency contacts with your beacon, that will not be helpful if the Rescue Coordination Centre call them looking for information.
So, keep that in mind in future trip planning too. A useful tool is the Plan My Walk app which has a function to easily share your plans, route, trip notes, party members and gear packed in one email to specified contacts.
The final job is checking your beacon. Follow your manufactures instructions to ensure it has battery for another activation if needed on future adventures. Some beacons might be one-time use so be sure to doublecheck yours.
6: Where/how should I carry my beacon?
This is a tricky one as everyone has their own opinion on this – some say the top lid of your pack in easy reach, others say in your clothing or attached to you some way. Others say attached to your pack straps.
The official word on the web from www.beacons.org.nz is your Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) should be physically carried on your person rather than in your pack in case you are separated from it.
Beacons are only good if a) the button works but also b) they are accessible in an emergency.
It’s a real possibility that in an emergency, you are separated from your pack e.g. it’s ripped off you when falling, being swept down a river, rolls off a cliff during lunch.
Even tramping in a group, you could still get lost and get into trouble so having your beacon on you and accessible is quite important. If you are tramping solo then it’s even more important in case you can’t access your pack when you are injured.
There are many ‘what if’ situations – remember the definition of accident is something happening unexpectedly so prepare for the unexpected the best you can by wearing it on you not your pack.
Here are a few ways you could carry your beacon:
Carry it in a small bag around your waist e.g. bum bag or running belt. You can wear this above your pack hip belt.You colul wear it on an adjustable belt around your waist – could be attached to your clothing with your belt loops, or higher above your pack waist belt.
No matter how you choose to carry it, just don’t squish it. Some models, particularly the cheaper ones, have a design where if the beacon gets squished e.g. in a pack, the pressure pushes on the button causing a false callout. This sucks up resources that could be saving people’s lives.
You can now view and enjoy the latest issue of
Walking New Zealand magazine online for USD.99c at http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx
7: What is the difference between an inReach, SPOT or PLB?
Something I learnt talking to the Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Rescue Team is there is a big difference between an inReach, SPOT and distress beacon.
They recommend if you do own one of these devices or looking to buy one, do your research to understand the differences as it could impact on your safety and ability to get rescued.
You can read more about these important differences on the DOC website.
$599 plus $7.00 Shipping
Available now from: Walking New Zealand Shop
P O Box 1922, Palmerston North Phone 0800-925-546 or email walkingnz@xtra.co.nz. www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz
