The following release can be attributed to Taupo Senior Constable Barry Shepherd:
At 11 am today Police received a call from a couple in their mid-twenties on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
After starting the Alpine Crossing from the Ketetahi Hut end, they negotiated around the Blue Lake where they encountered ice. They both slipped and fell into the North Crater but thankfully did not suffer any injuries.
The pair was able to walk to the Emerald Lakes where they called Police for help, advising they could not continue due to icy conditions.
While the pair had adequate clothing with them, they did not have any equipment such as an ice axe or crampons on them.
Police dispatched the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter with Land Search and Rescue (LSAR) and a paramedic on board.
There was low cloud covering and the helicopter could not reach the couple. Police enlisted two Department of Conservation (DoC) staff members based at Mt Ruapehu who set out on foot to assist, along with LSAR rescuers.
The two DoC and LSAR rescuers found the couple safe and well and the group began the walk out to Oturere Hut. They then came across a man in his late twenties who was using rocks to cut steps in the ice to climb Oturere Valley.
Rescuers used their equipment to help the three reach Oturere Valley where they were picked up by the helicopter. The group was then flown to Mangatepopo Rd. No one had suffered any injuries or required any medical attention.
The helicopter then flew back to Oturere Valley to pick up the three rescuers.
Taupo Senior Constable Barry Shepherd says he is concerned for the safety of anyone going on the Crossing without adequate equipment, including the large number of tourists we get in the area.
“Locals have to ensure they are giving tourists good advice as they may not fully appreciate the extreme conditions this part of the country can experience.
“The mountain was very busy today with lots of people under the supervision of guided tours who know the area well and do a great job. I would encourage more people, especially visitors to the area, to seek advice from these people before attempting the Crossing alone.
Constable Shepherd says the group was very lucky in this case.
“Thankfully all three tourists are safe and well, however the day could easily have turned out very differently.
“Going out in New Zealand wilderness without proper equipment is a recipe for disaster. The conditions can change rapidly and while you start out with sunshine and clear skies, if the cloud comes over the snow can freeze making conditions very slippery without proper equipment.
“People are very seriously putting their lives in danger by not having the proper equipment with them,” says Constable Shepherd.
Anyone going hiking should seek advice from experienced locals, ensure they have adequate clothing and food and make sure they have the necessary equipment on them.
“While the weather has been fairly mild recently, people have to be aware that it is still winter conditions and, at 1500 meters above sea level, the conditions can be extreme.”
ENDS
Note to media – the tourists were a couple from Slovenia and a Chinese national.
Issued by Police Media Centre.
