Heaphy Track

Press, 1 April 1980, Page 16

Heaphy Track

Sir, — I was interested to read the comments by Mr Nolan about the of the Heaphy Track, and to see the prominence given to his remarks. His concern was that part of the track round Crayfish Point. Mr Nolan referred to the warning sign, displayed at the start of .this piece of the track notifying, users that the area can be’dangerous at high tide. His complaint was that' the notice did not specifically say not to cross* Perhaps in this situation one’s common sense and tramping experience could be brought to the fore. Safety, while tramping or climbing, depends to a. large extent on the observance of a few basic rules, and accidents are often caused through ignorance of these rules or the non-observance of them. Any dangers, I feel, are not so much a part of the track ■ itself* but are more a result of mis-i judgments by people using the track. — Yours, etc., • M. D. ELLERY, March 27, 1980.

Sir,—-It seems that many people take to the mountains without proper preparation beforehand. An experienced tramper would allow time to wait until swollen'rivers subside or, in the case of the Heaphy Track, until the tide goes out. National Park boards and rangers are trying to keep our parks as near as possible to their natural state and keep signs to a minimum which is greatly appreciated by the genuine tramper who has gone there to get away from civilisation, I have been on the Heaphy Track twice and" have seen

the notice each side of Crayfish Point advising people to wait for the tide. Once we waited. There are mountain safety committees throughout New Zealand willing to give advice and training to people wishing to venture into the back country. All the instructors are voluntary and there are many pamphlets available free.—Yours, etc., VIDA LUCOCK. March 29, 1980.