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Source: ONE News -
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A new code that aims to make New Zealand a safer experience for holidaymakers is being introduced this summer.
It is a few simple guidelines search and rescue hope means fewer people will get in trouble in our great outdoors.
Accidents are a common occurrence in New Zealand and in 2009 there have been 245 search and rescue incidents involving tourists, more than one in 10 of all rescues.
"People, especially tourists, don't sort of appreciate that some of our bush environments are very extreme. They fail to realise that the weather can change quite dramatically," says Gerry Prins, police manager for Emergency Management.
So an outdoor code has been launched to try and stop people heading out unprepared.
It lays down five simple rules: Plan and research your trip; let someone know where you're going; pay attention to weather forecasts; know your limits and make sure you take food, equipment and emergency supplies.
"We've even had stories of people in the Milford Track thinking that there's a shop somewhere along the way that they can get supplies on the track," says Prins.
The code will be promoted at hostels and information centres around the country.
"It's beholden on us as hosts that we actually provide visitors with some support and with information about how to access the outdoors," says Tim Cossar from the Tourism Industry Association.
It is hoped the flyers and accompanying website will make the Kiwi experience much safer.
