Staying Safe
Before You Go
Check the forecast for where you're actually heading, not just the nearest town. MetService has separate mountain and back-country forecasts. Tell someone where you're going, what route you're taking, and when you'll be back, and log it in the hut's intentions book if there's one. DOC's Know Before You Go page and any track alerts are worth a read before you leave too.
On The Track
Rivers are the thing that most often turns a normal trip into a rescue. Mountain Safety Council's river safety guide is worth a read if your trip has a crossing. If in doubt, don't cross, wait it out or turn back. Weather and rivers can change faster than a track's stated time accounts for, so give yourself a buffer and be honest about when to turn around.
If Something Goes Wrong
Carry a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger. Cell coverage is patchy at best in most of the areas on this site. Mountain Safety Council's communications guide covers what to carry and how to use it. If you're overdue, whoever has your intentions is your backstop, so it's worth taking the time to leave them.