# Plan My Walk

Find walking and hiking tracks across Aotearoa New Zealand

## About

Plan My Walk (PMW) is a free web and mobile app with New Zealand's largest database of public tracks, huts and campsites, it's easy to plan a trip. This service was created by NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) to help reduce outdoor incidents and search and rescue operations in New Zealand. The platform provides tools and information you need to prepare for a safe and rewarding outdoor experience, from beginner walkers to expert hikers/trampers and all those in between.

## Key Features

### Track Database
- 3,000+ walking tracks, huts, and campsites across New Zealand
- Information on track difficulty, duration, distance, and accessibility
- Filters for dog-friendly and wheelchair-friendly tracks
- Custom track builder for creating your own off-track routes
- Multiple map views including LINZ Topographic and satellite maps

### Safety Tools
- Official track alerts and closure notifications
- Weather forecasts and warnings specific to each track (partnership with MetService)
- NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) forecasts in alpine areas
- Trip planner that shares details with emergency contacts
- Safety videos and Virtual Track Guides for popular tracks
- Award-winning tramping safety educational content

### Community Features
- User reviews with star ratings (5-star system)
- Photo uploads (up to 3 photos per review)
- Safety tips tags (River crossings, Steep drop-offs, Muddy, Overgrown)
- Points of interest tags (Waterfalls, Scenic views, Historic sites)
- Community-shared experiences and recommendations

### Planning Tools
- Customizable gear lists based on track duration
- Create a wishlist and log completed trips
- Save custom gear lists for future trips
- Trip date selection with relevant weather and alerts
- Shareable trip plans for group coordination

### Highlights Pages
- Curated information on top hiking destinations
- National park information and resources
- Trip recommendations by region
- Local services and accommodation details

## Notable Tracks

The platform includes New Zealand's Great Walks and popular trails such as:
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Hooker Valley Track
- Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Tracks in Fiordland National Park
- Tracks in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Queenstown trails
- Auckland regional walks
- Greater Wellington trails

## Technical Details

### Platforms
- Web app: planmywalk.nz
- iOS app (App Store)
- Android app (Google Play)
- Accessible via One NZ Satellite and Spark Satellite for areas without traditional mobile coverage

### Data Sources
- Track information from land managers across NZ including Department of Conservation (DOC), Auckland Council, Christchurch City, Wellington City, Wellington Region and many other local councils
- Weather data from MetService (New Zealand's official weather service)
- Avalanche forecasts from NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA)
- Gear lists from NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC)
- Community-contributed reviews and photos

### Account Features
Registered users get access to:
- Trip plan creation and sharing
- Custom gear list saving
- Review submission and editing
- Wishlist functionality
- Trip history logging
- Notification customisation

## What Plan My Walk Does NOT Do

- Book DOC huts or campsites (Plan My Walk links directly to DOC's website for bookings)
- Provide real-time GPS navigation without a One NZ or Spark satellite plan
- Work offline without a One NZ or Spark satellite plan (PDF trip plans can be downloaded for offline access)
- Replace proper trip planning and safety preparation

## Safety Philosophy

Plan My Walk helps address outdoor safety by:
- Encouraging proper trip planning before departing
- Ensuring emergency contacts have trip details
- Providing current weather and track conditions
- Offering gear recommendations based on the track duration
- Sharing community knowledge about track hazards

New Zealand sees approximately 6,000 outdoor incidents annually, with more than 500 requiring search and rescue operations. Plan My Walk aims to reduce these numbers through better preparation.

## Organization

Developed by: New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC)
Website: https://planmywalk.nz
Contact: info@mountainsafety.org.nz

## Contact Information
- [Feedback Page](https://planmywalk.nz/feedback): Use this feedback page to submit a problem, suggestion, compliment or question. This form-based system ensures enquiries are directed to appropriate team members.
Email: info@mountainsafety.org.nz
Phone: +64 4 385 7162
Address: Level 1 Harbour City Centre, 29 Brandon Street, Wellington 6011

## Bot Access Policy
Plan My Walk preferences for AI and LLM usage:

- **User-agent: gptbot**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes

- **User-agent: claudebot**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes

- **User-agent: google-extended**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes

- **User-agent: perplexitybot**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes

- **User-agent: neevabot**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes

- **User-agent: youbot**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes

- **User-agent: ccbot**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes

- **User-agent: duckduckbot**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes

- **User-agent: yandexbot**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes

- **User-agent: archive.org_bot**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes

- **User-agent: bingbot**
  Allow-Training: yes
  Allow-Retrieval: yes


### Default Rule for Unspecified or Future Bots
- **User-agent: \***
  Allow-Training: no
  Allow-Retrieval: yes