406 EMERGENCY BEACONS
Available for hire through the Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre
HIRE COSTS (Southland Locator Beacon Charitable Trust):
- 1 Day: $15 (must be returned by 4.30pm on the day!)
- 3 Days: $30
- 7 Days: $40
- After first week of hire at $40: Every subsequent week: $30 per week
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The International Cospas-Sarsat System has ceased satellite processing of 121.5/243 MHz beacons on 1 February 2009. All beacon owners and users should replace their 121.5/243 MHz beacons with 406 MHz beacons as soon as possible.
The old 121.5 MHz and 243 MHz distress beacons no longer generate an alert or give your location. The satellite system that supports these old beacons has ceased to operate (with effect 1 February 2009).
How the 406MHz Monitoring System works
1. A distress beacon is activated.
2. The signal is transmitted to the nearest sub-orbital satellite. These can be satellites that remain in stationary position over the same area of the earth's surface or those that are constantly circling the earth in polar orbits.
3. The signal is transmitted from the satellites to the nearest local user terminal (LUT). These are placed around the globe, to ensure signals are received almost immediately.
4. The signal is passed to the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand.
5. The RCCNZ mobilizes rescue resources and directs them to the coordinates of the signal.
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 So you have an enjoyable and safe time for your visit to Arthur's Pass National Park, follow the Land Safety Code:
- Choose the right trip
- Learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
- Understand the weather
- It can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food
- Prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
- Share your plans and take ways to get help
- Telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life.
- Take care of yourself and each other
- Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.
For more information, visit www.adventuresmart.nz/land/activities/ or use the Plan My Walk system planmywalk.nz/home
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