The Outdoor Safety Code

Before you go into the outdoors get familiar with New Zealands Outdoor Safety Code.

These 5 simple rules are easy to remember and will give you the confidence to explore and enjoy, no matter what outdoor adventure you choose to do:

1. Plan your trip

Seek local knowledge and plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take. Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centres and i-SITEs are a good source of local information.

2. Tell someone

Tell someone your plans and complete written Outdoors Intentions using the tools available at www.adventuresmart.org.nz. At the very least, tell a friend or family member where you are going and date and time they should raise the alarm if you haven’t returned.

3. Be aware of the weather

New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes. Check track and hut conditions. Beware of rivers – if in doubt STAY OUT.

4. Know your limits

Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience. Take a bushcraft or survival course.

5. Take sufficient supplies

Make sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication such as a Mountain Radio or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and know how to use them.

If you didn’t return would anybody know to raise the alert?

Telling someone your plans before you head out of the door could save your life.

“Providing detailed information such as where you are going, where you are planning to stay and what equipment you are carrying is invaluable to search and rescue teams and can vastly improve your chances of being found and rescued quickly”