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Five hikers have been injured – some seriously – in an incident on Mt Taranaki over the weekend, requiring a helicopter rescue operation to bring them off the mountain.
Emergency services were called to Mt Taranaki at about 2.15pm yesterday, after receiving reports of a hiking group in trouble.
HatoHone St John said it sent a pair of ambulances and two helicopters to the distressed hikers, who had all been injured on the trail.
While two of the hikers were only moderately injured, the other three were found in a serious condition.
“The group of five were rescued and taken off the mountain via helicopter about 6.50pm,” Senior Sergeant Andy Guy said.
Two of the seriously injured were flown from the maunga (mountain) to Taranaki Hospital by helicopter, while the third was transported there on road by an ambulance, Hato Hone St John said.
Five people were injured during a hike up Mt Taranaki on Sunday, with three in a serious condition. Photo / Mike Scott
“Our thoughts are with the injured and their families, and we hope for the best outcome and a speedy recovery,” New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (NZMSC) chief executive Mike Daisley said.
“We don’t have further information on this incident in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki so we can’t comment on the specifics. However, we know it was a blustery, overcast day with low cloud and showers in the afternoon on Taranaki Maunga.”
While it’s not yet known what trail the group had attempted, Daisley said the popular Summit Climb “is a serious undertaking that should not be underestimated”.
“While a day hike, it’s both technically and physically difficult, and conditions can change extremely quickly as it is an alpine environment,” he said.
“This is an expert route that is undefined and exposed, involving scrambling over rocks, scree slopes and steep drop-offs.
“Any small mistake can have major consequences. It should only be attempted by experienced trampers with proper equipment and in good weather conditions.”
With New Zealand’s turbulent summer weather, Daisley said it’s vital people plan carefully when undertaking a hike.
This includes monitoring weather, packing for all conditions, carrying a reliable communication device and choosing the right trip for everyone’s abilities.
“It’s never too late to change your plans,” Daisley said.
“The mountains will always be there for another day. The top priority should be making it home safe.”
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