The Nelson Rescue helicopter was called to Nelson Lakes National Park to rescue trampers twice last weekend and one person was already dead when rescuers arrived. Photo / Supplied
The woman who died while tramping in the Nelson Lakes area over the long weekend was Golden Bay's Tracey Smith.
Smith was caught in a blizzard while tramping in Nelson Lakes National Park and died from severe hypothermia on June 1 after battling the extreme conditions.
A family
member she was tramping with made it to Angelus Hut to raise the alarm after they were unable to get cellphone reception.
But the 55-year-old spent the night exposed to the elements, battling a -16C chill and blustery 80km/h winds.
Smith was already dead when the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter reached her on Sunday morning.
