Land – Safety in the Outdoors

To help ensure you stay safe during your visit we have some handy tips and helpful links we recommend reviewing before commencing your visit.

Outdoor Safety Code

Know before you go – the five simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code to help you stay safe.

1. Plan your trip
Seek local knowledge and plan the route you will take and the amount of time you can reasonably expect it to take.

View the Planning a trip in the backcountry

2. Tell someone
Tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned.

Find out how to tell someone your plans

3. Be aware of the weather
New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the forecast and expect weather changes.

4. Know your limits
Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience. Learn safe ways of rescuing others without putting yourself in danger.

For more information visit the Adventure Smart website.

5. Take sufficient supplies
Make sure you have enough food, clothing, equipment and emergency rations for the worst-case scenario. Take an appropriate means of communication.

Water – Safety on the Water

Water safety code:

1. Be prepared
Learn to swim and survive and set rules for safe play in the water. Always use safe and correct equipment and know the weather and water conditions before you get in.

2. Watch out for yourself and others
Always pay close attention to children you are supervising in or near water. Swim with others and in areas where lifeguards are present.

3. Be aware of the dangers
Enter shallow and unknown water feet first and obey all safety signs and warning flags. Do not enter the water after drinking alcohol.

4. Know your limits
Challenge yourself within your physical limits and experience. Learn safe ways of rescuing others without putting yourself in danger.

Check out the Safe Swim Spots Map for reliable information about our waterways.

Swimming at the beach

The beach can be a dangerous place. Ensure you review the hazards identified by Surf Life Saving New Zealand.

Patrolled beaches are the safest place to swim, because surf lifeguards will have identified the safest spot on the beach, and placed their flags to indicate where this is. Always swim between the flags. Find a patrolled beach near Manawatū.

Driving in New Zealand

Driving in New Zealand can be very different to driving in other countries. Check out AA Driver Training and the handy tips video below or visit www.drivesafe.org.nz to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable journey while in New Zealand. To help ensure you arrive at your destination on time use the AA Traveller distance and time calculator.

Boating Safety Code

Before you go boating on our seas, lakes and rivers, get familiar with New Zealand’s Boating Safety Code, no matter what kind of boat you use.

DOC Alerts

Find out about changes that might affect the safety or enjoyment of your trip into conservation areas in the Manawatū/Whanganui region.

Weather

New Zealand’s weather changes rapidly. It can be very cold at any time of the year.

Always check the latest weather report on the MetService website before you venture out and be prepared to change your plans if conditions are unfavourable.