Winter is here again in New Zealand, and it is a good time to remember some critical survival skills that you need in cold weather. All those lovely summer images of foraging for food, swimming in rivers and sleeping under the stars are far less relevant in a cold and wet wintry wilderness. Cold weather can catch the unawares and quickly lead to hypothermia. The wind is one of the most dangerous elements in cold weather. Getting out of the wind, and cold, is a real priority.

Your clothes are an important part of your protection. Read more about clothing in cold weather survival here.

Obviously a fire will greatly assist in keeping you warm, but don’t be deceived building a good fire in the winter is more challenging than it appears. Here are some good tips on building fires: basics and tinder and kindling.

Don’t forget to eat and drink, keeping the energy up and spirit resilient!