Route Finding Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award

Route finding Watch out for track markers etc to help you stay on the track landmarks & features so you can find where you are on a map forks – are all members of the group together? other trampers – keep left to let them past can you communicate between front and back of the group? increase your distance between trampers on downhills Always stay focused on your route

Land Forms and Natural Features Contour lines Distances Waterways Cliffs

Following marked tracks Metal or plastic markers nailed along the route, eg to trees or posts Usually more frequent at difficult or less obvious parts of the track Keep watching for these markers if you are sticking to a track (as you should in most cases)

Track Markers Blazes or axe cuts Cairns (piled stones) Snow poles (above the bushline) Plastic or cloth tied to sticks or bushes Orange triangles nailed to trees Track signs NB fluorescent spray paint is often used to mark possum lines (not tracks)

Watch out for Track is indistinct Crossing water – where does the track resume? Fallen trees – where is the track on the other side? Poor visibility – eg in the mist

Moving over rough terrain Sound planning essential Study maps and trip reports and contact DOC Study current conditions (some waterways may be impassable at certain times) Estimate distances and times

How long should a trip take? Varies depending on conditions and your party 4-5km/hour on a smooth wide track 2km/hour on a rough track 300m height gain per hour walking uphill 400m height loss per hour walking downhill Large parties usually slower

Location awareness Train yourself to be observant Take turns in being up-front Watch out for markers Glance backwards to see what the land looks like if you have to return that way Be careful Tend to get lost more easily going downhill Concentrate particularly in areas with no clear landmarks

Reducing the chance of getting lost Pay attention Stick to the track Stay together Know your route Carry a map and compass