Orrell - New Boots in New Zealand: Nine Great Walks, three islands, and one tramping virgin

I did not die or sustain any serious injuries in researching and writing this I book, but there were many times when I was acutely aware of how easy it would be to do either, or both.

My hope is that as you read this book you will be entertained by what the Great Walks and the backcountry of New Zealand have to offer and that, along the way, trampers and prospective trampers will pick up lots of practical information, almost without noticing it. However, what follows is not a guidebook, nor is it a comprehensive guide on what to take, how to prepare or other ways to avoid the inevitable dangers inherent in tramping.

Sadly, there are regular reports of injuries and fatalities in New Zealands backcountry. No one imagines that they will be the subject of such a report, yet people still make the seemingly small decisions that can lead to this. Decisions about what food and clothing to take. Or what boots to wear.

Personal safety whilst tramping depends on a number of factors: knowing where youre going; understanding what to expect of the terrain; knowing what facilities will be available and what wont; knowing how to stay warm, well fed and hydrated; anticipating all possible types of weather (of which New Zealand has a breathtaking and volatile array); understanding basic first aid; taking the right equipment, knowing how to use it ... and so on.

If youre preparing to tramp, please make sure you get all the information you need to take good care of yourself out on the track. A great place to start is with the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website at www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/Safety.asp.

Other useful websites include:

Finally and as importantly make sure that you notify the local DOC office of your intentions before you head into the bush and that you add your details into each intentions book en route. These books are found in all DOC huts, as well as at some car parks and information shelters. You should fill in as much detail as possible about your planned route, dates, times, size of party etc. It is all too easy to get into trouble in the backcountry, where rescue is only possible if someone knows to come looking and knows where to look.

Health and safety does not start and end with the tramper. The natural environment must survive your trip too. The aim is to leave no trace of yourself behind. This is not always achievable, given that youre likely to encounter mud and leave a few footprints in it. But footprints should be all.

The number of different ways in which a tramper can damage the environment that he or she is enjoying is truly depressing. Worse still, few of us instinctively know and understand each of the impacts we can have on the natural environment as we tramp through it.

The good news is that it doesnt take long to learn a great deal. Again, a great place to start is on DOCs website at www.doc.govt.nz/Explore/NZ-Environmental-Care-Code.asp.

For those travelling to New Zealand from other countries, your opportunities to protect New Zealands natural environments begin even before you arrive. In particular, dont take any food or plants etc. with you and make sure you clean tramping boots and other equipment carefully, so that you dont inadvertently import bits of another country. Fortunately, New Zealands airports are equipped with customs and agricultural/quarantine officers. On arrival, after your passport has been checked, your shoes and other equipment will be too. If in doubt, declare any potentially muddied items you may have. If you havent already cleaned them, local officials are fully equipped to do so.

Happy and responsible tramping.