1. Professional Guiding

Our walks are led by experienced guides familiar with local terrain, weather patterns and backcountry conditions.

Each trip is actively managed.
Routes, pace and timing are adjusted to suit the group and the day’s conditions.

We operate small groups to maintain awareness, communication and care for every guest.

2. Planning & Risk Management

Before every departure we assess:

• Weather forecasts and trend changes

• Track conditions

• River levels where relevant

• Guest experience and fitness levels

• Seasonal hazards (heat, cold, wind, ice)

If conditions are unsuitable, we modify the plan, relocate, or postpone the trip.
We will always choose the safer option over reaching a destination.

3. Emergency Preparedness

Your guide carries safety equipment appropriate to the environment including:

• First aid kit

• Emergency communication device

• Navigation tools

• Shelter / thermal protection

Guides are trained in first aid and incident response procedures.

We maintain contact capability at all times and have established emergency response processes should assistance ever be required.

4. Fitness & Participation

Our walks are designed for active travellers rather than athletes.

Before departure we confirm:

• mobility

• relevant injuries

• comfort on uneven ground

The group pace is set to the slowest comfortable walker.
You will never be rushed.

Guests may choose to stop at any point and rest while the guide manages the group safely.

5. Weather in New Zealand

New Zealand conditions can change quickly — this is part of what makes the landscapes special.

We monitor forecasts closely and carry equipment for unexpected changes, however guests must also come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear.

If severe weather develops, we adjust the plan or return early.

Safety always takes priority over the itinerary.

6. Environmental Responsibility

We operate under minimal-impact guiding principles and support the Tiaki Promise — caring for people, place and culture in Aotearoa.

We:

• stay on formed tracks where appropriate

• avoid disturbing wildlife

• carry out all waste

• share ecological understanding of the landscape

The goal is to leave the environment exactly as we found it.

7. Biosecurity

Protecting New Zealand’s ecosystems is part of travelling here.

Please arrive with:

• clean footwear

• no soil or seeds on gear

• empty pockets and bags of organic material

This helps prevent the spread of invasive species and plant diseases between locations.

8. Insurance & Compliance

ECOTRAILS is operated by Stage Coach Limited, a registered New Zealand business.

We are a fully insured professional guiding operation and operate under Department of Conservation permissions where required.

Our safety procedures follow New Zealand outdoor industry good practice standards.

9. Shared Responsibility

A safe experience relies on cooperation.

We ask guests to:

• Follow the guide's instructions

• Communicate discomfort early

• Wear appropriate clothing

• Bring required personal items

Part of your guide’s role is decision-making — including turning around if needed.