September 17th, 2024
A unique website and app called Plan My Walk, designed to help walkers plan short and long-distance trips across New Zealand, has expanded its database to include tracks managed by Christchurch City Council.
The Council's Parks and Spatial teams collaborated with the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) to integrate these tracks into the platform, according to the Christchurch City Council.
Plan My Walk provides users with essential track information such as length, terrain, location, and difficulty. Additionally, it offers suggested gear lists, relevant track alerts, weather forecasts, and advice from previous track users. The app enables users to plan their walks, including necessary gear and food, and share their plans with others for safety purposes.
MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley believes that Plan My Walk is the first app of its kind.
"Pulling together weather, track alerts, gear lists, and then being able to put all that into a plan and share it with a trusted contact – that's a first," Daisley says.
He adds that the app "combines all aspects of trip planning like no other app does."
The long-term goal of the app is to raise awareness about the importance of planning before heading outdoors and to build a supportive community through the sharing of track reviews.
Council Head of Regional Parks Kay Holder acknowledges the value of the project and explains that as more councils and land managers get involved, the walking database will become more comprehensive and accurate for both New Zealanders and tourists.
Plan My Walk, which is funded, owned, and run by MSC, was launched in 2021 after more than 1,000 hours of research and development. The app has recently received funding from Herenga ā Nuku, the Outdoor Access Commission, for further development over the next two years.
The app is free to use, and users can start exploring Christchurch tracks today.