New Zealand is one big outdoor playground but unfortunately too many people including unsuspecting tourists get caught out by factors they weren’t prepared for or didn’t expect. The Adventure Smart website aims to change this by educating and informing people so they are better prepared. Really its all about enjoying your self safely in New Zealand’s outdoors and for us sending our guests home in one piece is of paramount importance. Be it on the land, in the snow, on the water or in the air this informative website covers all of these areas with simple succinct messages. We’ve broken down the key messages below so you get the basic idea. For detailed and specific information about a particular sport or discipline please have a look at the Adventure Smart Website.

Outdoor Safety Code

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.

2 Tell someone
Tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. The Outdoors Intentions Form is a gret way of doing that.

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.

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 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.

Boating Safety Code

1 Life Jackets
Boats, especially ones under 6m in length, can sink very quickly. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time in the water.

2 Skipper Responsibility
The skipper is responsible for the safety of everyone on board and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your vessel and your experience.

3 Communications
Take two seperate waterproof ways of communicating so we can help you if you get into diffculties.

4 Marine Weather
New Zealand’s weather can be highly unpredictable. Check the local weather forecast before you go and expect both weather and sea state changes.

5 Avoid Alcohol
Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware.

AdventureSmart (New Zealand) is funded by New Zealand Search & Rescue Council and managed by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.

Tony Townley is a luxury lifestyle specialist and owner of Luxury Adventures. Talk to us about planning your next visit to New Zealand, Australia or the South Pacific Islands.