People heading outdoors this Queen's Birthday weekend are being warned to plan ahead and check the forecast.

Both the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) and the MetService are encouraging people to prepare for unsettled weather over the holiday weekend.

People need to make sure they are dressed appropriately if they are heading outdoors this holiday weekend. Photo: File.

The warning comes as a search and rescue operation continues in the Western Bay of Plenty for two missing hunters.

The hunters, aged 44 and 20, went into the Kaimai Range around 4am yesterday and failed to return at 9am.

MetService meteorologist Emma Blades says temperatures will start to pick-up towards the weekend.

This is due to a north-westerly flow gradually spreading up the country ahead of a weather front, which is expected to approach the South Island on Friday before moving up the North Island during Saturday and Sunday.

'This front will bring a period of rain or showers to the north and west of both islands,” explains Emma, 'with scattered falls possible in the east.

'A second front is then expected to approach the South Island on Monday. With an unsettled outlook for Queen's Birthday Weekend, make sure you check out the latest forecast and any watches and warnings on MetService.com before heading out.”

MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley says New Zealand's weather can change quickly and drastically - particularly at this time of year.

'River crossings are one of the greatest hazards in the New Zealand outdoors and the consequences of bad decision making and poor judgement can be serious and immediate,” says Mike.

'Many New Zealand rivers rise quickly, and it doesn't take a lot of rain to change from a relatively minor stream to a very unsafe flooded river. You should never cross a river in flood.

'Before you go, check your intended route for any river crossings and have a back-up plan for if you're unable to cross. If in doubt, stay out and wait for conditions to improve.”

Mike is asking people to be aware that during the autumn and winter months, snow and ice can cover tracks that are usually clear during the warmer seasons.

'Walking and navigation can become more challenging,” he adds, 'so be aware of the weather and know your limits. An easy tramping track can become much more difficult if the weather changes.

'Over the long weekend, when you're out with friends and family members who may have different levels of ability and experience, it's important to stay together and help each other out.

'A group can avoid poor decisions that a solo tramper might make and, if something goes wrong, they can pool their resources and ideas.

'However, if your group does become separated, stop at any river crossings or track junctions and wait to regroup.”

He says hypothermia was also a very real concern and encouraged people to look out for each other as the early signs could be easy to overlook.

'Some people hide early signs of hypothermia or simply don't realise they're at risk,” says Mike, 'so it's important to keep an eye on others in your group.

'If someone's shivering or feeling cold even when moving, this means they are developing early symptoms.

'Make sure you've got warm, dry clothes on hand, and take high-energy food to keep everyone going. Pack enough spare clothing layers, food and drink to last longer than the amount of time you expect to be gone.”

However, even with the best preparation, things can still go wrong, adds Mike.

'You need to let someone you trust know where you are going and when they can expect you back,” he says.

'That way, if something goes wrong, there is someone who can raise the alarm.”

Mike says the Outdoors Intentions form on: www.AdventureSmart.org.nz makes it easy to let a trusted contact know your plans and encourages people to remember the five simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code.

Before heading out this weekend, you should:

• Plan your trip
• Tell someone
• Be aware of the weather
• Know your limits
• Take sufficient supplies