Safety on trail

Any long distance trail or thru hike comes with serious challenges and safety precautions and Te Araroa is no exception.

Many of the tracks on Te Araroa require a good level of fitness, at least some experience with backcountry hiking and the ability to safely asses and cross rivers.

Particularly on the South Island you will be entering some very remote areas and will need to be able to be self reliant, collect and filter water, camp and carry food for sometimes over a week of walking.

Tragically multiple people have passed away as a result of accidents on this trail and injuries are frequent. I know of at least two separate incidents of people who were helicoptered off the Richmond Alpine Track in just the week I walked alone.

Things you can do to stay safe on trail:

• Carry a BLP (personal locator beacon) with current updated trip intentions and details

• Register your walk with the Te Araroa Trust

• Sign the trail registers in DOC huts as you stay and pass through

• Inform a family member or close friend of your trip intentions and check in regularly that you have arrived safely to your intended location

• Be prepared to be out of service for extended periods of time and download anything you may need prior to heading out

• Keep track of the weather forecast and tide times

• Carry a power bank for your torch, phone and other essentials

• Carry a first aid kit and brush up on at least basic first aid skills

• Carry a water filter and water purification tablets as a back up

• Use hiking poles to help cross rivers and prevent trail injuries

• Take a 'river crossing safety course' in New Zealand before starting the trail

• Wear high vis or bright colours on road walks and through areas with active deer hunting

This trail truly is an incredible journey but please take precautions to stay safe out there so that you can continue enjoying many epic adventures to come!