Staying Safe and Healthy on the Trail

Do I need insurance?

Perhaps. You could be out-of-pocket if you have an accident. Helicopters are often used in New Zealand for emergency evacuation!

Check the terms of your:

• health insurance
• travel insurance

Buy a policy which covers for medical expenses like emergency evacuation. Some policies have a disclaimer for high risk activities like hiking.

Who administers First Aid?

In case of injury, someone will need to take responsibility for First Aid. Bring a small First Aid kit.

In every group, someone should be assigned the role of First Aider. This person should be competent & certified in First Aid. If you are hiking alone — you must administer your own First Aid.

Fortunately, help is never far away on the Queen Charlotte Track. Any number of boats could return you to Picton if need be.

Will it rain?

You are hiking the semi-tropical Pacific Ocean. Expect wind and heavy rain. But you may get lucky. This is one of the driest parts of New Zealand — it gets rain only 6-10 days each month.

If tenting, be sure yours is waterproof. Test it in advance.

Bring rain gear & proper footwear. We have not had as much success as we expected from Goretex clothing. We recommend you additionally cover yourself & your pack with a cheap plastic poncho.

One of our hikers advocates wearing fleece in the rain. It gets wet immediately — then keeps you warm, insulated by heated water.

How can I check on the weather?

• January average 25C high, 13C low (rains only 7 days / month)
• March average 24C high, 13C low (rains only 6 days / month)
• June average 15C high, 6C low (rains 10 days / month)
• September average 17C high, 7C low (rains only 7 days / month)

Check just about anywhere in Picton.