Amidst Fiordland National Park's significant tramping accident rate, outdoor authorities want to get the word out to be prepared before heading outdoors this Easter and Anzac weekend. 

New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) research shows that trampers across the country are twice as likely to be injured or involved in a search and rescue incident over Easter and Anzac weekend. 

April is also the most common month for trampers and day walkers requiring rescue due to not being prepared for the weather, not having a waterproof jacket, not having sufficient warm clothing, or not having a torch, according to the same research. 

MSC chief executive Mike Daisley urged all those going outdoors this holiday break to make themselves familiar with the outdoor safety code and to "tell someone your plans so you can be more easily found if the unforeseen happens."

Fiordland National Park alone has almost 20% of all tramping fatalities in New Zealand over the last ten years (2007 - 2017), according to the MSC's research. 

In line with those calls for safety, the Department of Conservation (DOC) recently released new time-lapse footage from the popular Milford Track to show how fine weather could quickly morph into thick cloud, rain, hail or snow.

The two clips, taken at this time of the year at Mackinnon Pass, highlight how rapidly the weather can change within Fiordland and in other alpine environments.

DOC visitor risk principal advisor Don Bogie said people could rapidly find themselves in trouble if unprepared.

“Things get worse faster at this time of the year. It’s colder, there are fewer daylight hours and fewer people on the track to help if things do take a turn for the worse," he said. 

“Our weather tends to push in from the Tasman Sea or blow up from the Antarctic and this makes it volatile and at times unpredictable."

Checking in with DOC's website, as well as ringing into the local DOC visitor centre, were recommended. 

“It’s up to individuals to make sound judgements about the level of risk they are prepared for when venturing into the great outdoors," Mr Bogie said. 

“Once you’re out there, stick together and, importantly, be prepared to turn back."

MetService Weather Communications head Lisa Murray also recommended always checking the latest forecast, as well as severe weather warning

DOC’s Great Walks season will come to a close at the end of the month. 

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2019 – 24 October 2019), facilities on the southern Great Walks are greatly reduced, there is an avalanche risk, and a high level of experience is required.

Top tips before hitting the track

• Make sure you are prepared
• Bring the right gear
• Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will be returning
• Be prepared to turn back
• Stick together
• Check all relevant information on the conditions before your trip