Photo: NZ Police
Police are reminding hikers to keep safe on the trails this summer, following a rescue at Wairere Falls near Matamata.
A hiker was forced to spend overnight and most of the following day in the bush after he became separated from his group of friends while walking the North South track on Boxing Day Thursday.
The group noticed the man was missing when they made it to the Te Okioki Hut they had planned to stay at that night. They camped overnight before continuing on and raising the alarm once they got into cellphone reception.
The 35-year-old man tried to walk out of the location early on Friday, calling the police once he got cellphone reception.
Police contacted the local LandSAR volunteers from Te Aroha and Paeroa, who deployed teams from the north and south. The hiker had run out of water and was fatigued.
The Thames LandSAR group supported the operation from afar, assisting with radio and ensuring communication. A LandSAR dog handler was also deployed.
At about 7pm Friday, the man was found, given food and drink.
The LandSAR team helped walk the man out of the area. Due to the remote location, the rescue took approximately six hours.
Police said in a statement they would like to thank the volunteers who found the man and helped get him to safety.
In a show of gratitude the hiker's family also shouted the LandSAR volunteers some pizzas.
Sergeant Mark Harrison said the rescue serves as a useful reminder for anyone planning a hike to to pack extra food and water, stick close to your group, and carry a Personal Locator Beacon which you can activate to assist if you get lost.
He said while a cellphone with sufficient battery is also essential, you can't always rely on having reception.
If walking in the bush, said Harrison, please follow the five steps of the Land Safety Code:
- Choose the right trip for you. 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. Leave a date and time to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. Send this information to a trusted person directly.
- Take care of yourself and each other. Eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
