Day walkers reminded to be prepared after Wellingtonian saved by phone satellite feature

The Kererū Track above Days Bay in Wellington's Lower Hutt. Photo / WellingtonNZ

Police are reminding walkers to properly prepare, after a person was rescued from a bush track near Wellington.

Search and Rescue were called to tracks above Days Bay yesterday.

It was the lost walker’s iPhone’s SOS satellite feature which saved them, police said, after they were able to connect with authorities.

“Thankfully, through the satellite emergency messaging feature on the individual’s iPhone they were able to relay their location and facilitate two-way communication with police.”

The technology enabled a “swift and successful rescue”, police said.

The rescue prompted calls for people to observe fundamental bush walking guidance, including not following trap markers.

“Pink markers ... indicate trap lines, and are not maintained, and rarely connect to other tracks,” police said.

Walkers should also tell others where they are going, even on short walks.

Police advise leaving detailed trip intentions with a trusted contact, including the planned route and expected return time.