Land Activities

Make sure that you are well prepared by following the important information shown in the Land Safety Code. New Zealand terrain is beautiful, but can be highly changeable, and the weather conditions can shift drastically and suddenly. As well as following the essential information in the Code, personal locator beacons are available to purchase or to hire, and as can be little-to-no cellphone coverage in the outdoors in New Zealand, these beacons are an important piece of safety equipment.  

Key Contacts for Tramping and Hiking

• NZ Mountain Safety Council - access essential information for safe land-based activities such as how-to videos, the Plan My Walk app, skills and other online tools.
• Department of Conservation - managing the conservation of New Zealand's nature, including information about walking/tramping/hiking tracks, wildlife management and hut management.
• Herenga ā Nuku / Aotearoa Outdoor Access Commission - don't let the name limit your expectations, this organisation provides maps for mountain biking, walking, tramping, cycling, horse trekking, hunting, fishing and much more.

Going for a quick walk or a day hike is a beautiful way to spend a day in New Zealands mountains. It's important to make sure that you follow the Land Safety Code by preparing for challenging terrain and changeable weather. Don't expect to be in and out - always plan for an unexpected injury, a wrong-turn and sudden and drastic changes to the weather. Read or print the day walking guide from the link (left) to get all of the essential information on day walking in the bush in New Zealand. 

Key Contacts for Short Walks and Day Hikes

• NZ Mountain Safety Council - access essential information for safe land-based activities such as how-to videos, the Plan My Walk app, skills and other online tools.
• Department of Conservation - managing the conservation of New Zealand's nature, including information about walking tracks and wildlife management.
• Herenga ā Nuku / Aotearoa Outdoor Access Commission - don't let the name limit your expectations, this orgnasation provides maps for mountian biking, walking, tramping, cycling, horse trekking, hunting, fishing and much more.
• Beacons - information about hiring or purchasing distress beacons including PLBs.

Hunting is a popular activity in New Zealand. Two important safety considerations when going hunting are: the equipment used (including firearms) and the location and conditions (typically in the bush/mountains). Make sure you are familiar with the Land Safety Code, as it contains key information about safely in the mountains/bushes. 

It is important to behave safely and responsibly when using firearms - always stick to the seven rules of the Firearms Safety Code when handling a firearm.

Learn more about how to prepare for different forms of hunting:

• Big game hunting
• Game bird hunting
• Small game
• Pig hunting 
• Bow hunting 
• Alpine hunting
• Night hunting

Key Contacts for Hunting

• NZ Mountain Safety Council - access essential information for safe land-based activities such as how-to videos, the Plan My Walk app, skills and other online tools.
• Department of Conservation - managing the conservation of New Zealand's nature, including information about walking/tramping/hiking tracks, wildlife management and hut management.
• New Zealand Police - manages firearms licencing in New Zealand (including visitor licences).
• Herenga ā Nuku / Aotearoa Outdoor Access Commission - provides maps of hunting tracks in New Zealand.
• Beacons - information about hiring or purchasing distress beacons including PLBs.

Mountain biking is a popular sport in New Zealand and can be undertaken with a guide or unguided. it is important to apply the Land Safety Code when Mountain Biking, as it is easy to get lost or injured when mountain biking in New Zealand.  

Key Contacts for Mountain Biking:

• NZ Mountain Safety Council - access essential information for safe land-based activities such as how-to videos, the Plan My Walk app, skills and other online tools.
• Department of Conservation - managing the conservation of New Zealand's nature, including information about tracks, wildlife management and hut management.
• Herenga ā Nuku / Aotearoa Outdoor Access Commission - don't let the name limit your expectations, this orgnasation provides maps for mountian biking, walking, cycling, horse trekking, hunting, fishing and much more.
• Beacons - information about hiring or purchasing Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs).

Trail running is a popular sport which involves running trails through challenging terrain. Always be sure to follow the Land Safety Code, especially if you plan to head out alone, and seriously consider hiring or purchasing a personal locator beacon. Essential guides and helpful information can be found in the links (left).

Key contacts for Trail Running

• NZ Mountain Safety Council - access essential information for safe land-based activities such as how-to videos, the Plan My Walk app, skills and other online tools.
• Department of Conservation - managing the conservation of New Zealand's nature, including information about tracks, wildlife management and hut management.
• Herenga ā Nuku / Aotearoa Outdoor Access Commission - don't let the name limit your expectations, this organisation provides maps for mountain biking, walking, tramping, cycling, horse trekking, hunting, fishing and much more.
• Beacons - further information about hiring or purchasing a personal locator beacon. 

Due to the inherent risks of mountianeering, it is extremely important to only undertake this activity if you have a significant level of knowledge and experience. Those with no or little experience in this pursuit are strongly recommended to learn/gain experience with a guide or with the guidance of experienced friends or family. More information can be found on the NZ Mountain Safety Council's website. 

Key Contacts for Mountaineering:

• New Zealand Avalanche Advisory - Avalanche activity and training information.
• NZ Mountain Safety Council - access essential information for safe land-based activities such as how-to videos, the Plan My Walk app, skills and other online tools.
• Department of Conservation - managing the conservation of New Zealand's nature, including information about tracks, wildlife management and hut management.
• Beacons - information about hiring or purchasing distress beacons including PLBs.