CONVENTIONS and DEFINITIONS

 FITNESS GRADING

If you check the programme you will see that each walk or tramp is graded Fit, Moderate etc.  These “gradings” are defined here:

 

  • Easy: A tramp on fairly level formed tracks, duration 4+ hours, and where there is usually the option of returning by the same track
  • Moderate: A tramp of 4-6 hours, often on less well-formed tracks, or on off-track routes; can involve river crossings, or short sections of steep terrain
  • Fit: Can be over 6 hours duration, tramping on either formed tracks or off-track routes, river crossings, steep terrain, snow conditions

 

RATE of TRAVEL

The following is a guide to estimate times from a topographical map:

  • Travel on a benched or formed track with a good surface, or easy open tops - four (4)kilometres per hour.
  • Travel on an average well-marked bush track – three (3) kilometres per hour
  • River travel in open riverbed, but with frequent river crossings - two (2) kilometres per hour.

 

Ø      Add one hour for each 400 metres climbed.

Ø      Add one hour for each 1000 metres descended.

RIVER BANKS

To avoid confusion, the terms 'true left' and 'true right' are used to refer to riverbanks:

Ø      The 'true left' bank is the left bank when facing downstream

Ø      'True right' bank is the right bank when facing downstream.