Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AVALANCHES
Avalanche conditions are most likely to occur between winter and spring, but ava-
lanche paths can be active any time of the year that there are unseasonable snowfalls.
If you are heading above the bushline or into alpine territory you should check the NZ
Avalanche Centre (
www.avalanche.net.nz
)
and the local DOC office for the latest con-
ditions and safest routes. If you visit avalanche-prone areas, do not tramp alone, bear
in mind that avalanches occur most commonly on 30° to 45° slopes, and be cautious
on sunny slopes, particularly later in the day.
Check the Forecast
Always check the weather forecast before you set off. In a country obsessed with weather
reports, it is not hard to find one. DOC and i-SITE visitor centres are a reliable source of
short- and long-range forecasts, as is the MetService (
www.metservice.com
)
, which pro-
duces detailed five-day forecasts for 24 national park locations (also available as a mobile
app). You are also bound to get varying predictions from accommodation providers, shuttle
drivers and the lady at the pie shop. None of these are a substitute for official, up-to-date re-
ports, but they may provide some sage local knowledge.
If things are looking dicey, delay your trip or seek advice from local experts on alternat-
ive routes or other options.
Reading the Weather
Once on the track, keep an eye on the skies. Given sufficient warning you can put your foot
on the gas to out-tramp an oncoming storm, know when to wait it out at a hut, or slow down
to a snail's pace to maximise a slot of sunshine. The key thing to remember, though, is that
NZ's weather can change extremely quickly, especially in the mountains.
Two early signs of approaching bad weather are an increase in wind speed and the ap-
pearance of high cloud sheets. These sheets, often stacked on top of one another or looking
like flying saucers, are known as lenticular or hog's back clouds and are the outriders of
northwesterly storms. As the depression moves onto the country, the wind changes direc-
tion, often quite suddenly, and a weather change results.
The wind is the key to reading the weather in the bush. As a general rule, northwesterlies
bring wet weather and storms, while southerlies are a sign of a cool frontal change, often
followed by clear conditions. Northeasterlies may also signal good weather approaching,
whereas southwesterlies are normally associated with cool, rain-laden winds.
