Safety in the Mountains by Robin McNeill (illustrated by Adele Jackson) published by the Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand s a practical, essential safety guide for New Zealand trampers, bushcrafters, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Small enough to fit in your pack and packed with actionable advice when you need it most, this classic guidebook has been regularly updated since 1937 to keep you safe in the backcountry.

Whether you are preparing for a day trip or an off-track navigation challenge, keep this resource handy.

Welcome to the New Zealand Bushcraft Manual, your go-to guide for safely exploring the New Zealand backcountry.

Designed for beginner hikers and experienced trampers alike, this comprehensive resource builds foundational skills to help you handle demanding outdoor conditions with confidence.

First published in 1968 and continuously updated by outdoor safety experts, the manual covers critical safety competencies:

• Land Navigation & Route Finding: Map reading, compass skills, and off-track orientation.

• River Crossing & Safety: Risk assessment, crossing techniques, and weather impact.

• Trip Planning & Preparedness: Gear selection, layer systems, emergency shelters, and communication devices.

• Backcountry Survival: Risk management, emergency response, and reading New Zealand weather patterns.

The Ultimate Navigation Manual is a unique guide to finding your way on land - from the basic principles right up to the advanced technology of GPS. Designed to allow even the absolute beginner to find their way anywhere in the world, it also develops a unique confidence in navigation  with or without technical aids.

Contents include:

• Environmental clues: Using the natural environment to navigate

• Maps:  An introduction to the different types of maps.

• The Compass and North: How compasses work, how to use them, and how to choose the right one.

• Map and Compass Navigation: Twenty-five easy-to-learn skills are described.

• Relocation Procedures: What to do when lost, dealing with well-known relocation procedures and some ground-breaking new ones.

• Stellar Navigation: Simple methods that are easy to learn.

• GSNS (GPS) Navigation:  - Why Global Satellite Navigation Systems are the most significant advance in navigation since the invention of the magnetic compass.

Explore the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) extensive network of walking tracks, day hikes, and multi-day tramping routes across the Waikato region

From gentle native forest walks to challenging backcountry peak climbs like Mount Pirongia and the Kaimai Ranges, find detailed track profiles, elevation details, and trail conditions to choose the right route for your fitness level.

Before heading into the bush, check current DOC track alerts and match your track selection with practical skills like route finding, weather planning, and pack preparation.