Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The higher you are, the more severe the weather can be, with significantly lower temper-
atures, stronger winds and rain that can quickly turn to snow. Snowfall and blizzards can oc-
cur at any time of the year in alpine areas, so you must be properly equipped.
If heavy storms move in once you are on the track, the best idea is to stay in a hut and
take a day off, especially if you are in an alpine area. Be patient and don't worry about miss-
ing a bus or lift at the end of the tramp.
From One Extreme to the Other
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when your body is unable to maintain its core temperature, leading to a
loss of normal function and, in severe cases, possibly death. Indeed, it is one of the greatest
risks to those venturing into the NZ outdoors, and the cause of tramper deaths every year.
Good clothing is critical in preventing hypothermia. Dress in layers (preferably wool,
fleece or synthetics), covered with a sturdy waterproof outer layer, and wear a hat. Stay
fuelled up with regular intakes of nourishing foods and liquids. Early signs of hypothermia
include the inability to perform fine movements (such as doing up buttons), shivering, and a
bad case of the 'umbles' (fumbles, mumbles, grumbles, stumbles, tumbles).
The treatment for hypothermia is to get warm again. Stop, find shelter, replace wet cloth-
ing with dry, and get into a sleeping bag. Another fully clothed person inside the bag will
help to raise the patient's core temperature gently, as will warm sweet drinks if they are con-
scious. In severe hypothermia, shivering may stop; this requires immediate action to warm
the patient, followed by evacuation.
Sunburn & Heatstroke
Trampers spend a great deal of time outdoors and are therefore at high risk of sunburn, heat
exhaustion, heatstroke, and, in the long term, of developing skin cancer. You get sunburnt
surprisingly quickly in NZ, as the ozone layer is among the thinnest in the world.
Reduce the risk of sunburn by covering up, even when it's cloudy, and especially when
you are at high altitude. Protect your eyes with good-quality sunglasses, particularly near
water, sand or snow, and use 30+ SPF sunscreen on exposed skin. A full-brimmed hat will
set your tramping wardrobe off nicely and keep the sun's rays (and some sandflies) at bay.
Choose well-shaded spots for rest stops and lunch breaks.
 
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