Pre-winter tramping injury rise predicted, care urged

Photo: Getty Images

The weather may be getting cooler and more changeable by the day at this time of year, but Otago is still a hot spot — a hot spot for trampers getting injured in the great outdoors.

Because many are heading for the hills to get a few more tramping trips in before winter arrives, now is when the number of injuries dramatically increase.

So the ACC and the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) are urging people to take extra care when planning their journeys.

ACC data shows the Otago region recorded New Zealand’s second-highest number of tramping-related injury claims in 2025, with 1299 injuries which cost the taxpayer $1.7 million to help people recover.

Auckland recorded the highest number of tramping-related injuries with 1562 claims, followed by Otago, Canterbury (1277) and Waikato (819).

Nationwide, ACC accepted more than 9000 claims for tramping-related injuries, costing $12.4m — the highest number of injuries and the highest cost over the past five years.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said it could be a brilliant time of year to get outdoors, but people needed to remember that autumn weather could be unpredictable.

"The daylight hours are shorter, and tracks can be slippery after rain.

"Take a moment first to check the forecast, pack for changeable weather, and be honest about your limits.

"If in doubt, don’t go out.

"Always tramp with others where possible, stick together, make decisions as a group, and tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back."

MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said the steady rise in tramping injuries reflected how popular the outdoors had become.

"The number of adults going hiking in New Zealand has increased over the past decade, and injuries have increased alongside that.

"Most injuries are minor and people recover quickly, but many are preventable with better planning and decision-making."

He said to match trips to experience and conditions.

"We know from analysing injuries, search and rescues, and fatalities, that trip planning and preparation play a major role in keeping people safe."

MSC offers free tools such as the Plan My Walk website and app, which can help trampers choose suitable tracks and prepare properly for their trips.