At Top Of The Lake Guiding, your safety, health and wellbeing are at the heart of every decision we make. Our guiding is informed by experience in mental health, suicide prevention, emergency services and tertiary education, alongside many years in the backcountry.
We see duty of care as a shared responsibility. We provide skilled guiding, thorough planning, high-quality equipment and clear communication. We ask you to be honest about your health, experience and concerns so that together we can choose an adventure that is both exciting and safe.
Our approach is grounded in manaakitanga (care and hospitality) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land and its wildlife). Looking after people and place go hand in hand – when we respect the mountains, rivers, forests and animals, we create safer and more meaningful experiences for everyone.
Every trip is carefully planned and continuously monitored from start to finish. Before each adventure we complete a risk assessment, check weather and river conditions, confirm access permissions and choose routes that suit your group’s abilities and goals.
On the day, your guide carries appropriate communication devices, first aid supplies, navigation tools and safety equipment suited to the activity and environment. You will receive a clear safety briefing covering terrain, gear use, emergency procedures and how to communicate if you are unsure or uncomfortable at any time.
Group sizes are deliberately kept small so that your guide can give you close attention and adjust pace, route and activities in response to changing conditions or how people are feeling. If conditions become unsafe, we may change plans, shorten the trip or postpone – always with your wellbeing as the priority.
Each type of adventure has its own risks and safety requirements. Before your trip we will talk through what to expect and how we manage those risks together.
- Hunting: We follow strict firearms safety protocols at all times, including safe carrying, clear communication before any shot, agreed firing zones and no loaded firearms in vehicles or helicopters.
- Fly fishing: River levels, weather and wading conditions are checked and re-checked. We choose access points and crossings that match your ability and use lifejackets where appropriate.
- Hiking & wilderness: Terrain, exposure, weather and track conditions are assessed so that we can select suitable routes, pace and rest breaks for everyone in the group.
- Scenic & heli adventures: We work alongside experienced helicopter pilots, follow all loading and unloading protocols, and provide clear briefings before you approach or move around the aircraft.
You will always have the chance to ask questions and to pause or step back from any activity that does not feel right for you.
| Activity | Main Hazards | Key Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Hunting adventures | Firearms use, steep terrain, weather changes | Strict firearms rules, clear shot communication, route selection, radios and emergency plans |
| Fly fishing adventures | Cold water, river crossings, slippery rocks | River and weather checks, conservative crossings, wading support, appropriate clothing and gear |
| Hiking & wilderness trips | Uneven ground, exposure to wind and cold, fatigue | Trip choices to match fitness, steady pacing, extra layers, nutrition and hydration checks |
| Scenic & heli experiences | Aircraft movement, rotor wash, remote locations | Helicopter safety briefings, controlled loading zones, coordination with experienced pilots |
Before any adventure, every participant must complete and sign our Health & Safety Disclosure form. This is not about excluding people – it is about understanding your health, medications, injuries, allergies, experience level and any other factors that could affect your safety in the outdoors.
The information you share helps us choose appropriate locations, pace and activities, and to plan how we would respond if you became unwell or injured. We treat this information with care and respect, and use it only for planning and delivering your adventure safely.
Please complete the form as early as possible so we can answer questions and adjust plans if needed.
Outdoor experiences can be powerful for mental health and wellbeing. Your guide’s background in mental health and suicide prevention means we are attentive not only to physical safety but also to how people are feeling – emotionally, mentally and socially.
We welcome guests of diverse ages, cultures, gender identities, sexualities, bodies and abilities. Trips can often be adapted with shorter walks, more rest stops, quieter locations, or different styles of hunting and fishing to help you feel comfortable and respected.
If you live with anxiety, past trauma, chronic illness, disability or other mental or physical health challenges, you are welcome to share as much or as little as you wish. The more we understand, the better we can design a day that feels supportive, safe and enjoyable for you and your whānau.
Do I need to be very experienced?
Not necessarily. We guide complete beginners through to very experienced hunters, anglers and hikers. Being honest about your experience helps us choose the right locations and level of challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
Fitness requirements vary by trip. Some scenic and fishing options are low-impact, while backcountry hunting and heli hiking can be more demanding. We will talk this through with you before confirming a booking.
Are there age limits?
We welcome families and older guests, and we consider age together with health, mobility and the specific trip. In some cases we may recommend certain options or ask that younger guests are accompanied by a responsible adult.
What if I have medical conditions or take medication?
Please share this on your Health & Safety Disclosure form and, if you wish, in a conversation with your guide. We may suggest particular trip types, ask you to bring extra medication, or require medical clearance for higher-risk activities.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. We may change the plan, move to a safer location, delay the start time or postpone the trip. We will keep you informed and work within our Terms & Conditions regarding cancellations and changes.
Can I talk to someone before I book?
Yes, absolutely. You are welcome to contact us with any safety questions, concerns or specific needs before you make a booking.
If you have any questions or worries about safety, health, fitness or accessibility, please get in touch. We are happy to talk through options honestly so you can make an informed decision.
You can reach us by email at topofthelake.guiding@outlook.co.nz or by phone on +64 274 275 120, or use the enquiry form here to send a safety-related question.