{"id":142,"date":"2022-04-17T13:15:55","date_gmt":"2022-04-17T13:15:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zerofrontiertravel.com\/index.php\/2022\/04\/17\/how-i-plan-for-an-unforgettable-backcountry-adventure\/"},"modified":"2022-04-17T13:15:55","modified_gmt":"2022-04-17T13:15:55","slug":"how-i-plan-for-an-unforgettable-backcountry-adventure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zerofrontiertravel.com\/index.php\/2022\/04\/17\/how-i-plan-for-an-unforgettable-backcountry-adventure\/","title":{"rendered":"How I plan for an unforgettable backcountry adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

A few months ago, I righteously declared this year to be the summer of fun. It\u2019s been a rough few months with some significant life changes.<\/a>\u00a0I found myself entering the summer with open arms, ready to lose myself in the bush (figuratively, of course) and let Mother Nature do some good old-fashioned healing.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand backcountry heard my cry and answered the call, and with a few months remaining before the snow sets in, I\u2019ve got plenty more trips up my sleeve. I\u2019ve spent the past few months pouring over topo maps, adding new routes to my list, and getting even more excited to explore the South Island.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to plan for a backcountry adventure never came naturally for me, but <\/span>NZ Mountain Safety Council<\/span><\/a> has been putting in the hard yards over the past few years to create some epic resources. Here is my step-by-step guide to planning an iconic New Zealand backcountry adventure. Enjoy!<\/span><\/p>\n

\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t10 big life lessons I\u2019ve learned from the backcountry<\/a>\t<\/div>\n

<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

Use Plan My Walk to help brainstorm locations<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Look, I know I haven\u2019t done everything here on the South Island<\/a>, but I\u2019ve done enough that I sometimes feel uninspired when it comes to planning a new adventure. How many more times can one walk into Aspiring Hut? (Trick question: the limit does not exist).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whenever I feel that I can\u2019t possibly come up with another tramp idea, I head to <\/span>Plan My Walk <\/span><\/a>for a good old-fashioned brainstorm. The app makes finding a new adventure super simple with its filter features. Choose your preferred length of time, difficulty level, distance, region, and even if the track allows dogs. <\/span><\/p>\n

After you set the parameters, you can scroll all over New Zealand to see which walks fit your criteria on how to plan for a backcountry adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Research, research, research<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Surprised by the beauty of a waterfall? Great. Surprised by the curious native birds following you around? Super cute. But surprised about the track you\u2019re walking? No thanks.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s only one way to avoid being taken by surprise in the bush: doing some serious research before you hit the trail. Once you have your track, it\u2019s time to dig in to see what you\u2019re really in for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Plan My Walk <\/span><\/a>tells you everything you need to know, from the length and time estimates for each track segment to notable weather conditions and even read reviews from other trampers. Each track has a sliding scale that will give you an indication of how difficult the track is, as rated by other trampers, so that you can be as prepared as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each walk also has a section for track alerts, so you know trail damage, temporary closures, or anything else to note before hopping in the car. NZ Mountain Safety Council has produced incredible tramping videos<\/a> detailing everything you need to know about iconic tramps. They are an invaluable resource when it comes to planning new adventures.<\/span><\/p>\n