Summer tramping group at top of Gunsight Pass: Darren Hammond is in white, second from right.
Getting back to nature is a favourite Kiwi past-time, but nature can bite back, hard. Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club president Darren Hammond says although summer is generally safer, trampers must still prepare for the worst. ?You still get some extreme weather shifts in summer. ?I was at the top of Mt Hector in February this year and it was a stinking hot day on the way up, but the top was quite chilly,? says Mr Hammond. Bad calls over river crossings are one area people can get stuck, such as the Orongorongo River near the Rimutaka visitor centre, where once the water raises you can?t cross back. Mr Hammond lost a friend to a river crossing and says nature needs to be treated with respect. ?It can be pretty frightening; some people have to turn back. ?Rivers can rise and fall quite fast, and it?s better to wait out the crossing rather than risk it,? he says. ?In tricky situations it?s important to keep yourself together and look after yourself first, if you are not calm then how can you look after someone else and make decisions,? he says. Mr Hammond says tramping is a great way to see more of our spectacular country, but people have to build up their limits. ?I climbed Mt Taranaki this year, which was a real achievement, to stand upon the second highest mountain in the north island and see that view. ?It?s not easy, with 15-20kg packs on your back,? he says. Over exertion in the summer heat is one factor people need to consider, he says. Tramping in groups is advised and clubs have invaluable experience they can share with new trampers. He says it?s hard to preparing for everything, but even on a day-walk a warm rain-coat is essential. ?Weather forecasts can be wrong, and if you have a problem and trip or fall you can get stuck somewhere.? Metservice is invaluable for weather updates, but nine day forecasts should be taken ?with a grain of salt?. Mr Hammond says the website metvuw.com is particularly popular with trampers. Belmont Regional Park, Wainuiomata, the Skyline walk above Khandallah, and Eastbourne offer great day-walks. Further afield the Tararua Ranges and Otaki Fork beckon those seeking a higher level of adventure. [SUBS NOTE: include as info box] Summer tramping safety tips Before heading out: always inform the nearest DOC office, a hotel owner, or friends and family, and tell them your entry and exit points and when you?re going to return. Sudden weather changes occur in New Zealand within hours ? always carry warm, waterproof gear. Getting wet and cold is one of the worst things to experience in the wild. Ask for local advice on weather and track conditions before setting out; get in touch with a DOC ranger who knows the areas you intend to visit. Shy from tramping or walking alone, and if you do make sure you stick to the track, have a compass (and know how to use it), and a map of the track (available at DOC offices).
