Tramper rescued from Tongariro Crossing 'knows he had a close call'
Photo:
Supplied / NZ Police
A tramper rescued from Tongariro Alpine Crossing 'knows he had a close call', police say.
The man called police at about 7.30pm on Saturday, after getting into difficulty on the crossing and realising he would not be able to make it out alone.
Senior Constable Barry Shepherd of Taupo Police Search and Rescue said it was an example of how things could go wrong quickly.
"He realised that he was not dressed or equipped at all for the
harsh reality of the landscape
in winter," he said.
"There had been recent heavy snowfall with freezing conditions.
"He didn't have food with him or any extra gear for warmth or shelter.
"Luckily, he realised his error pretty quickly and called us."
Police Search and Rescue responded with a helicopter, alongside LandSAR.
Despite being extremely cold, the man was not injured and was able to walk out.
"I think he knows he had a close call," Shepherd said.
"If conditions had worsened or he had been unable to make a phone call, he'd have been in real trouble."
Anyone heading out into the back-country - even experienced trampers - needed to prepare for harsh conditions through winter, he said, as they could "change on a dime".
"Particularly anyone heading out into the alpine environment should take and know how to use ice axes and crampons, and wear suitable footwear.
"Take adequate supplies, clothing and shelter, and do your planning - know what the forecast holds and if you're at all in doubt about what conditions might be like, don't go."
Department of Conservation Tongariro operations manager Libby O'Brien said the national park was a place "that demands respect".
"Temperatures are often freezing, and drop even lower at night and at elevation," she said.
"If you don't have alpine experience and the right gear, you need to think long and hard about whether you're going to be able to survive in these conditions.
"We all love being out there, but ensure you know what you're doing so you don't put yourself and others at risk by being ill prepared."
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