Health and Safety

General Safety

• Our walkways are gravel or grass only. There are no paved paths, so surfaces may be uneven, slippery when wet, and may shift.

• Some walkways, especially nature trails and bush walks, have no handrails. Please be very careful, especially on inclines or near edges.

• Children should be supervised at all times, particularly on slopes, steps, near water, or where the terrain is steep or unstable.

• Wear sturdy footwear suited to uneven ground. Rough terrain, gravel, roots, branches, and natural obstacles are common.

• Be aware of changing weather. Rain can make paths slippery and more hazardous.

Bush Walks & Nature Trails

These provide wonderful opportunities to explore, but also carry risks.

• Stay on marked tracks. Straying off track increases risk of slips, falls, getting lost, or encountering unstable terrain or vegetation.

• Trails may be narrow, exposed to the elements, or cross through bush with limited visibility.

• Carry appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs), footwear, and supplies (water, snacks, first-aid).

• Let someone know your walking plan and estimated return time.

Water Areas & Hot Springs

We provide access to Lake Ohakuri and to several geothermal hot springs. Please treat all water zones with caution.

• Swim at your own risk. There are no lifeguards on duty. All decisions to enter, swim, or soak are yours.

• Always supervise children closely in and near water. Even shallow water can be dangerous.

• Be aware of underwater hazards (rocks, sudden drop-offs, submerged logs, uneven lake bottom). Enter unknown water feet first.

• Hot springs can pose risks: high temperatures, slippery surfaces, scalding pools, buried steam vents. Test water first, stay within safe temperatures, avoid deep or unstable edges.

• Respect posted signs and warnings. Some pools or areas may be closed or dangerous at certain times due to geothermal activity, water levels, or seasonal variation.

Water Safety Code – NZ Guidelines

We follow the principles of the New Zealand Water Safety Code.

Here are key points to help you stay safe:

1. Know how to float — if you get into difficulty, floating on your back with ears in water helps.

2. Find the safest place — assess conditions before entering water. Look for safe entry/exit points.

3. If in doubt, stay out — rough weather, unseen hazards, weak swimmers: better to stay dry.

4. Take care of yourself and others — swim with a buddy; watch children; wear lifejackets where appropriate.

5. Know how to get help — carry a means of communication; know local emergency number; understand basic self-rescue.

Geothermal Hazards

Geothermal areas bring unique risks. We monitor them, but nature is unpredictable.

• Stay on established paths around the grounds, especially around the fumeroles.

• Don’t touch water or mud that looks hot or boiling. Steam vents may be hidden.

• Be aware that ground may shift, be fragile, or have thin crusts that could collapse.

• Respect all signs and barriers placed around hazardous areas.