Three trampers have been airlifted out of the Ruahines after being cut off by rising creek water.
A man and woman from Rongotea aged 50 and 35 went into the Ruahines on Saturday with the intention of staying overnight in Irongate Hut and returning home on Sunday. A 50-year-old man from Palmerston North, not known to the couple, was undertaking the same trip.
On Sunday all three tried to come out of the Ruahines but were unable to do so because the rising water of Tunupo Creek had cut off their access. They returned to the hut and stayed their Sunday night. On Monday they tried to find another route over the top but were forced back due to poor weather conditions.
Whilst at the top one of the party managed to get a cell phone signal and left a message for a friend indicating they would return to Irongate Hut.
Police, who were contacted by the friend, reviewed the weather forecast and were confident that the party would be able to leave the Ruahines of their own accord this morning (Tuesday, 2 February). When there was still no sign of the trio by midday a search and rescue operation was initiated to assist them out.
Around 4pm two police officers in the Square Trust helicopter began searching the likely routes to locate the party. Two further police officers were deployed on foot.
The three were spotted from the air on the track near the Tunupo Creek trying to find a way across. After seeing the helicopter the trampers returned to Irongate Hut where they were uplifted by the helicopter and returned to the car park shortly before 6pm. Although they had run out of food they were otherwise no worse for wear.
Police want to use the opportunity to provide potential trampers with two key reminders.
The first relates to communications. All of the trampers had cell phones but none had a radio or emergency locator beacon and it was only by luck that they managed to get a message to a friend on Monday.
The second reminder relates to the weather. Anyone considering going into the hills needs to closely monitor the forecasts and go equipped for the conditions. If weather conditions are expected to be poor the trip should be postponed. It is also important to monitor the weather forecast further afield and not just the immediate location of the tramp as weather conditions in other areas can still affect local water levels.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256.