So, you read Trekking Te Anau and now you're inspired to hit the trail? Here are some preparation and safety tips for your hike:
- Leave your intentions with someone who can sound the alarm if you don’t return.
- Book your huts and campsites online or at a Department of Conservation Visitors Center.
- Don’t wear cotton or jeans and bring along warm clothes to layer.
- Pack food and water and be sure to check out a packing list, like this one.
- “If people aren’t confident in walking a track, or they’re going into the backcountry, we do recommend that they take a PLBS [personal locator beacon], which basically you carry on you—you don’t put it in your backpack—but you carry in a pocket that is close to you. If you get into trouble, you activate it and a helicopter will find you straight away. Within half an hour a helicopter will be out to get you. There is no failing that. You can get it from the hiking shop in town.” — Kate Hebblewaite, Senior Ranger and Community Supervisor for the Department of Conservation
- Run into a local Te Anau shop for sand-fly spray.
- “The best thing people can do is just come into the visitor’s center here and just chat with one of the rangers. They can find out the weather, they can find out the track conditions, and they can find out all the safety advice.” — Kate Hebblewaite
📍 Fiordland National Park, Southland, New Zealand
