New Zealand’s Mountain Radio Service

There are many people that come to New Zealand for its beautiful nature. Their main intention is to hike through New Zealand’s great outdoors. Some of them do it alone, while some of them do it in a pair or a group, and others take their children with them.

The Mountain Radio Service is essential for all of them. You see, New Zealand’s nature is very unpredictable and sometimes can be very dangerous. Especially if you are new to the country and not familiar with its rapid weather changes.

For example during heavy rain (which can start suddenly and unexpectedly) rivers can rise and cut you off from civilization for hours or even days. And there is virtually no cellphone coverage in the backcountry so you won’t be able to call for help.Here is when the Mountain Radio Service comes in handy. So how it works? Pretty easy:

Before the trip you hire a radio, which is not so heavy to carry (1.2kg for the smaller one and 1.8kg for the larger, spare batteries included). There are many base stations scattered across New Zealand providing coverage for most of the backcountry areas. One time a day base station generates a call (referred to as a “sched”), during which the base station operator gives weather information and takes details of the location and intentions of hikers.

Operator can also call to your contact people regarding changes to your plans or your pickup times caused by bad weather or flooded rivers. If you are in emergency then operator, of course, will help you deal with it using any means necessary.

When you hire the radio, you will receive all the details about setting it up and using it. One important thing to know is that when you’ll have to use the radio, you will have to string a long aerial wire, which could take more than 10 minutes in bush or rough terrain.

Mountain Radio can be a life saver, and it also gives you a great amount of peace of mind during your hikes in the wildest areas of New Zealand.