九一星空无限

ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Up next
ZB

'An amazing result': Missing tramper found alive in remote hut after search called off

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Mon, 19 Jan 2026, 10:10am

'An amazing result': Missing tramper found alive in remote hut after search called off

Author
NZ Herald,
Publish Date
Mon, 19 Jan 2026, 10:10am

A tramper who went missing in Kahurangi National Park has been found alive.

Graham Garnett, 66, had been exploring the Baton/Ellis River area and was expected to return on December 30.

After he failed to do so, a search and rescue operation was launched, involving Land Search and Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR) groups, specialist teams, the New Zealand Defence Force, the Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand, as well as numerous volunteers and supporters.

When he couldn鈥檛 be found, the decision was made on January 15 to call off the search.

However today contractors working in the area discovered Garnett sheltering in Venus Hut at around 2.30pm.

The New Zealand Defence Force was enlisted to aid in the search for tramper Graham Garnett, who went missing in a South Island national park in late December.

The New Zealand Defence Force was enlisted to aid in the search for tramper Graham Garnett, who went missing in a South Island national park in late December.

He was then transported to Nelson Hospital, where he was reunited with his family.

鈥淭his is an amazing result. We are so pleased for Graham and his loved ones,鈥 Sergeant Jonny Evans said.

 The New Zealand Defence Force was enlisted to aid in the search for a tramper who went missing in a South Island national park more than a week ago.

The New Zealand Defence Force was enlisted to aid in the search for a tramper who went missing in a South Island national park more than a week ago.

鈥淥bviously he has been through quite an ordeal and everyone involved in the search is delighted to hear that Graham has been found alive.鈥

During the search earlier this month, five helicopters were used, including an Airforce NH90.

Two specialist canyon teams searched the 鈥渟teep鈥 terrain with special equipment, while a field team looked across the search area.

Search and Rescue Nelson said in a Facebook post it was delighted to learn that Garnett had been located safely.

鈥淸We] send our well wishes to Graham and his wh膩nau as they reunite and focus on recovery.鈥

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you