Route Finding

Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award

Route findingWatch 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 awarenessTrain 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