A helicopter was deployed and reached the area, but was unable to land due to deteriorating weather conditions. A second helicopter was sent in, but it too was unable to land as weather conditions worsened. They formed a human heat circle to help warm him before returning with him to the hut to await rescue. At first light, with the assistance of Land Search and Rescue teams, police were able to extract the man from the area. “Emergency Locator Beacons are cheap to hire and are capable of saving your life, even when there’s no cell phone reception.”

Source: New Zealand Herald December 28, 2025 22:29 UTC