Staying Safe and Healthy on the Trail

Do I need travel insurance?

The Track is sometimes closed due to flood or avalanche. There is no guarantee your trip could be rescheduled.

The fully prepared hiker would buy travel insurance to guard against loss associated with cancellation or delay. The Department of Conservation will not pay any of those costs, of course.

We do not buy travel insurance, normally, we must admit. But we probably should.

Who evacuates me in case of injury?

Emergency evacuation due to injury or track closure can only be arranged by DOC staff. You must obey instructions from Track wardens.

The Department of Conservation cannot be held responsible for mishaps or for costs incurred in search and rescue operations. Expect to be billed for those costs.

DOC posted this reminder in 2005:

October and November walkers. Please note that late snow falls and/or Spring thaw may make parts of the track impassable or cause extreme avalanche danger. This may necessitate a helicopter trip over the hazard area. The cost of the helicopter will be passed onto walkers. Please check track conditions close to departure date.

Author Andrew Stevenson in Kiwi Tracks recounts a tale of helicopter evacuation in the late 1990s when bad weather closed the Pass. (They were not charged that time.)

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 Milford Track. Hut wardens are trained and have full first-aid kits & radios.

Will it rain?

Expect wind and heavy rain.

Be sure your clothing is waterproof. Test it in advance. Bring proper footwear.

We have not had as much success as 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.