Backcountry

Remote work comes with unique challenges

Tracks

We can help with planning, feasibility and construction of backcountry hiking and biking tracks. We'll make sure your tracks are robust, low maintenance and avoid high risk landscape features.

Huts

Hut relocations or new hut constructions require detailed analysis of geological and other natural hazards as well as geotechnical assessment of ground conditions.

Emergency

We are experienced in emergency assessment of damage to land and infrastructure. We'll help you to work out the best ways to deal with landslip, flood and earthquake damage.

Track planning and construction

From feasibility and pre-start planning to construction advice and troubleshooting, we can help ensure that your backcountry track construction is done right! 

Mountainous terrain is dynamic and provides myriad challenges for construction. We’ll help you choose the most suitable locations, routing, and construction techniques to ensure that your tracks are built to last and are as safe as possible for the end user and the construction team.  

"Traversing the Paparoa Range through a wide ranging and complex geology and with continual steep sloping terrain and diverse vegetation presented the most challenging of track construction conditions. We were faced with a range of scenarios where accurate and comprehensive geotechnical assessment was a critical element to our safe progress in successfully negotiating the terrain. Kevin provided this on each occasion. Not only were his assessments and reports accurate, comprehensive, easy to understand and implement, but Kevin took the time to understand our capabilities and engaged with our teams on the frontline in order to get a good understanding of all the advantages or limitations of our equipment in this remote environment. He sensibly based his recommendations around the machinery and equipment we had. ”
Jim McIlraith
Environmental Projects Manager, WestReef Limited

Backcountry hut site assessments

Huts in the backcountry aren’t just accommodation. They are a safe refuge for when the weather turns nasty. They’re also a significant asset to NZ’s outdoor recreation sector and a major attraction for international tourists. Choosing the right spot is essential. We provide:

  • Site specific hazard assessments for existing or proposed sites
  • Planning and implementing geotechnical monitoring programmes
  • Structural and geomorphic mapping
  • Soil and rock mass characterisation
  • Foundation recommendations to NZBC and NZS3604:2011

Emergency works in remote locations

In the aftermath of storms, floods and earthquake events backcountry locations can be exposed to elevated risks.

We provide first response assessment of conditions to allow for:

  • Safe access to the sites for other parties
  • Prioritisation of resources
  • Planning for remediation activities
  • Establishment of a risk profile 
  • Speedy return to normal access for the public
  • Cost effective future site management

Talk to me!

Call Kev on 029 771 7669 or fill in the form below: 

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