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Trampers are advised to plan winter hikes carefully and avoid alpine tracks unless experienced.
Four Great Walks, including the Milford Track, are not recommended in winter without proper gear and skills.
The NZ Mountain Safety Council advises using its Plan My Walk app to access real-time updates and weather forecasts for more than 1850 tracks.
Trampers are being asked to carefully plan their winter hikes and only consider routes they can confidently complete as colder weather and shorter days set in.
With winter officially beginning on Sunday, the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is pleading with trampers to steer clear of Aotearoa’s alpine tracks andonly choose the routes most appropriate for their capabilities and the conditions.
“Many of our mountainous areas, especially in the South Island and central North Island, will have freezing temperatures, snow, ice and avalanche danger in winter,” MSC’s chief executive Mike Daisley told the Herald.
Popular summer tracks such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Avalanche Peak Route and Mueller Hut Route become significantly more dangerous over the colder months and should be avoided by those less experienced.
“[These routes] require alpine equipment and skills including using an ice axe and crampons, and should only be attempted by people with this level of expertise.”
The warnings extend to four of the Great Walks – the Tongariro Northern Circuit, Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Kepler Track – which Daisley said should not be attempted unless trampers are properly equipped and experienced.
The NZ Mountain Safety Council is urging trampers to be prepared and choose their winter hikes carefully. Photo / Christopher Tuffley
“Facilities have been greatly reduced on these routes. On the Routeburn and Milford, bridges that are prone to avalanche damage have been removed.”
Avid yet inexperienced trampers are advised to look elsewhere for routes that are safer and more accessible over winter.
Daisley recommended the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk), Mt Somers Track to Woolshed Creek Hut and the West Matukituki Track to Aspiring Hut as examples of good alternatives.
MSC is encouraging people to use its free Plan My Walk app or website, which provides real-time monitoring for more than 1850 different tracks in New Zealand, for the most up-to-date information.
Users can access current advice, alerts and updates for each track, alongside the latest MetService weather forecasts and warnings in the area.
Individuals need to keep track of the forecast before going tramping so they can make an informed decision about whether it’s best to proceed – especially in winter, Daisley said in a statement.
MSC advises using its Plan My Walk app for real-time track updates and weather alerts. Photo / Caleb Smith
“If heavy rain is forecast and your trip requires river crossings or steep, slippery sections, it’s important to realise that this will make it more hazardous.
“In these cases, we strongly advise people change or postpone their plans.”
With cold weather raising the stakes in winter, it’s paramount that those heading into the bush pack the right clothing and equipment.
MSC recommends taking a waterproof rain jacket, a communication device such as a distress beacon, extra warm layers, a hat and gloves.
It’s also vital trampers let someone know where they‘re going and when they expect to return.
“Accidents happen and anyone can get injured or lost in the bush,” Daisley said.
