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 a tramper who went missing in a South Island national park more than a week ago. Two specialist canyon teams searched the “steep” 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.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 18, 2026 13:26 UTC