Two trampers who got into difficulties in the Tararua ranges on Saturday evening had to spend four more nights in the bush before being able to be airlifted out on Wednesday morning.
The pair, who Police said were well-prepared, activated a personal locator beacon on Saturday after struggling in adverse weather conditions, however, only a general location was able to be established by authorities.
Around 9pm on Monday night, a NZ Defence Force helicopter managed "severe turbulence" and low cloud in order to transport three Police-led Search and Rescue teams into the area, who located the trampers by 1.30am Tuesday morning, thanks to their beacon.
Senior Constable Fiona Read of Police Search and Rescue said the pair were cold and exhausted when the SAR team and a rescue dog found them and helped them to the nearest shelter at Dundas Hut, where they were medically assessed and given food and dry clothing.
Continuing bad weather hampered efforts to get the men out of the ranges until just after first light on Wednesday morning, when a rescue helicopter had a small window of opportunity to pick them up due to a break in the poor weather.
Eleven Search and Rescue personal including Police staff and volunteers and eight Incident Management Team members were involved in the search.
"They are safe and well and uninjured, thanks initially to their personal locator beacon," Senior Constable Read said.
"The trampers and their families would like to thank all those involved in the rescue operation which helped to find their loved ones."
ADVICE FOR TRAMPERS:
It's always best to plan your trip, as these trampers did, because they were well-prepared. In this case, a personal locator beacon was a good investment.
Beacons can be a lifesaving tool as it means emergency services will be aware that something has happened much faster if you do get injured or lost.
Beacons don't have to be purchased, they can be hired out on a day-by-day basis.
OTHER TIPS FOR OUTDOOR SAFETY:
Becoming lost or injured happens, but there are things to do which will mitigate this risk and a little preparation will go a long way.
If you are fit then you are a lot more resilient if you do have a fall or suffer from an injury.
FOLLOW THE OUTDOOR SAFETY CODE:
• Plan your trip
• Tell someone your plans
• Be aware of the weather
• Know your limits
• Take sufficient supplies