Alert on the Angelus Hut Pathway
Improving Tramper Safety at Angelus Hut: Collaborative Efforts Announced
A collaborative effort between the New Zealand Police, the Ministry for the Environment (MSC), and the Department of Conservation (DOC) has resulted in a series of proposed solutions aimed at enhancing the safety of trampers heading to Angelus Hut in Nelson Lakes National Park.
Located between Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa in the Travers Range, Angelus Hut has been identified as a hotspot for tramping incidents in New Zealand. To address this, an Issue Specific Advisory Group (ISAG) was formed to develop solutions for improving tramper safety in the area.
The solutions, generated after a facilitated design-thinking process, are primarily focused on access to Angelus Hut, particularly via Robert Ridge. The proposed actions, detailed in the ISAG report, include:
- Improved Signage and Information: Clearer signage on trails leading to Angelus Hut will communicate the risks, weather challenges, and required preparedness for trampers. This includes better warning signs and information boards at trailheads.
- Weather and Hazard Monitoring: More reliable weather monitoring systems and hazard alerts will ensure trampers receive up-to-date information about conditions that could affect safety.
- Enhanced Communication Systems: Improvements to communication infrastructure, such as emergency phones or better mobile coverage, will allow trampers to call for help if needed.
- Rescue and Response Preparedness: Strengthened coordination and resources for search and rescue operations in the Angelus area will ensure timely and effective responses to emergencies.
- Education and Outreach: Greater awareness and education among trampers about the specific dangers of the Angelus route and necessary safety measures will be promoted through DOC communications and community groups.
- Trail Maintenance and Improvements: Physical trail conditions that may pose hazards will be addressed, ensuring clear, safe, and well-maintained paths to the hut.
These actions are aimed at reducing risks and enhancing the overall safety of trampers in the challenging environment around Angelus Hut. The agreed actions for each of the proposed solutions are provided in a summary within the report.
The Advisory Group Report has been generated and is available for reading. Further information about the Advisory Group project can be found in various sources, including an RNZ article from October 2021 and the Plan My Walk website. The solutions are being developed in collaboration with the NZ Police, and the parties have met to discuss each of the proposed solutions in detail and agree on the next steps towards implementation.
- The solutions generated by the Issue Specific Advisory Group (ISAG) aim to improve tramper safety at Angelus Hut by enhancing access, weather monitoring, communication, rescue response, education, and trail maintenance.
- To address the high number of tramping incidents at Angelus Hut, the NZ Police, Ministry for the Environment (MSC), Department of Conservation (DOC), and other partners are focusing on implementing improved signage, weather and hazard monitoring, communication systems, rescue and response preparedness, education and outreach, and trail maintenance.
