More details have emerged about the miraculous three-week survival of a tramper missing in what has been described as “one of the region’s semi-wilderness experiences” in the Kahurangi National Park.
On Sunday, Upper Moutere man Graham Garnett, 66, was found sheltering at Venus Hut on the Leslie-Karamea Track.
He had been missing since 30 December, when he failed to return from a solo hike.
Graham was found by a Heliventures NZ pilot and a West Coast Regional Council staffer.
The pair were installing signs at Venus Hut for the Department of Conservation (DoC) ahead of a predator control operation.
Sergeant Jonny Evans, the officer in charge of the Police Search and Rescue operation, says Graham became disoriented by heavy cloud, and with weather conditions closing in, one wrong turn was all it took to send him deep within the park.
“Graham had been on the move much of the time, and had sustained injuries along the way.
“He had tried to get himself out numerous ways, by following streams and ridges and finally finding the Karamea River, which he recognised, and which led him back to Venus Hut.
“As part of an extensive Police-led operation, Land Search and Rescue staff had checked the hut early into the search, along with other huts in the area.”
Graham’s family issued a statement via police on Monday.
“We want to acknowledge the time and effort put in by the NZ Police and Land Search and Rescue, including searchers on the ground, in the rivers and in the air. We are also deeply thankful to those who joined two private searches. Your professionalism, compassion and expertise were exemplary.
“To those who helped us in the field by providing radios, freeze dried meals and specialist searching skills and equipment we are truly grateful. We also thank friends and family who gave love and support in many different ways.
“Last but not least, we are in awe of Graham, his incredible self-reliance, resilience and perseverance. Words cannot express how overjoyed we are to have him back and we acknowledge the Kahurangi National Park as a place of rugged beauty.”
Heliventures NZ chief executive Nicki McMillan posted about the rescue on the company’s Facebook page.
“We are thrilled with the great news, and while being immensely proud of our staff, there was a huge amount of luck involved,” she said.
“We were in the right place at the right time and are extremely happy and relieved for Graham and his family and friends, who have undoubtedly been through an extremely difficult time over the past few weeks.
“It is a fantastic outcome, a really great result.”
Venus Hut is located on the Leslie-Karamea Track, listed by DoC as difficult and “one of the region’s semi-wilderness experiences” in the national park.
Graham was transported to Nelson Hospital on Sunday where he was reunited with his family. He remains in hospital on Monday, surrounded by his loved ones.
The search for Graham involved four specialist canyon teams who were flown to Motueka to assist, as well as a Defence Force NH90 helicopter.
The search was suspended on Thursday, 15 January, after “extensive” search efforts across some of Kahurangi Park’s most challenging terrain failed to locate Graham, a police spokesperson said.
He was found alive just three days later.
“Obviously he has been through quite an ordeal, and everyone involved in the search is delighted to hear that Graham has been found alive,” Jonny said on Sunday.
Graham’s family have requested privacy as Graham continues to heal.
However, police and his family want to remind anyone heading out into the bush or back country to go prepared to increase your chance of survival, should the unthinkable happen, Jonny says.
“New Zealand has spectacular back country areas and a great outdoors culture.
However, being stranded in the bush for days or weeks on end can be incredibly harsh and, in many cases, isn’t survivable.
“We want anyone heading out to take the appropriate precautions and come home safely.”
