New Zealand Police and the Mountain Safety Council New Zealand (MSC) predict a high number of people will hit Aotearoa’s beautiful outdoors over the holiday season, and they want to make sure everyone makes it home safely from their adventure.
While we all want to get out and about this summer, it pays to take time to make a plan. Consider how you’ll call for help if you get into trouble - remembering that many popular spots have limited or no cellphone reception.
For anyone headed outdoors, a registered distress beacon is the lifeline that can summon help to your location in a life-threatening situation. It could save your life or someone else’s. You can rent or buy a distress beacon to take with you, and you can register here. It’s fast, easy, and free to register. It gives searchers essential information that will help them get to you if you are lost or injured.
If you are planning to get out and explore, it is a really good idea to take some time to learn about your destination and to prepare yourself using the recently developed Plan my walk app. Complete with track alerts, MetService weather information, gear lists, and a personalised plan and profile section, the app is perfect for sound summer planning.
The gear lists can be a huge help for those heading out. Many people find themselves in situations where they’re underprepared and, especially if the weather turns or they get lost, find themselves without adequate protection from the elements. The weather can change quickly, so it’s better to be prepared. Extra food doesn’t hurt either.
