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Injuries - The tracks we hike on are sometimes slippery and uneven which can put extra stress on ankles and knees. Please inform us if you have previous ankle/knee problems as these are our most common injuries. We strongly recommend that you wear a reliable knee/ankle support if you have had previous injuries. A walking pole can also help considerably.

Blisters - There is nothing worse than a blister on your heel on the first day of hiking when you've got 9 more days to go! With new boots blisters are especially a problem, but can also occur with broken-in boots due to the amount of hiking and the terrain we travel over. In most instances they are preventable, simply by applying tape to your feet before you start hiking. If you feel a hot spot on your foot, stop and tape it up. This is an early sign of a blister developing.

Insect Bites - sandflies and mosquitos can, at times, drive people crazy. The most important thing is not to get bitten. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants in the mornings and evenings when they are at their worst, and put on insect repellent. If you do get bitten, antihistamine cream will help to stop the itching. We do not have any malaria in New Zealand.

Sunburn - New Zealand lies under a big hole in the ozone layer and has little air pollution so the sunshine can be very intense especially in midsummer. You can get sunburned in as little as 15 minutes. Therefore it is essential to have a good sunblock and to apply it repeatedly.

Personal Hygiene - Part of the Nature Safari ethic is getting away from it all, which can sometimes mean missing out on a hot shower for 3 or 4 days. However there are always lakes and rivers to wash in at the end of a days hiking. You'll really get to enjoy this part of our Safaris. For those doing the Milford or Routeburn guided walks, hot showers are available at the lodges.

Water - New Zealand's mountain water is great to drink. Giardia has arrived at some of the tourist tracks but unlikely in our Safari areas. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while hiking, as dehydration will slow you down and give you headaches, and can lead to sunstroke on hot days. Make sure you bring a drink bottle.

Toilets - All camps we use have some form of a toilet, quite often the long-drop style. If you need to go to the toilet while hiking, make sure you bury all traces of excrement. Always go well away from any water ways (at least 50 metres). The lodges on the Milford and Routeburn tracks are equipped with flush toilets.