“They happened to be able to get a glimmer of cellphone reception and called for assistance about 7.30pm,” Westrupp said. He said police co-ordinated a search and rescue operation to rescue them as the weather worsened. “Land Search and Rescue and police reached the three men about three in the morning and provided them with shelter, clothing and food. At first light, with the aid of Wellington Rafting, we were able to get them out of there,” he said. “PLBs (personal locator beacons) are cheap to hire, and they’re capable of saving your life, even when there’s no cellphone reception,” he said.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 23, 2025 05:37 UTC