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An underprepared tramper rescued from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing last weekend is being held by police as a reminder of how quickly winter conditions can turn dangerous in the backcountry.
Police received a call from a man who got into difficulty on the crossing at around 7.30pm last Saturday.
Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said the man knew he was not going to be able to make it out alone.
"He realised that he was not dressed or equipped at all for the harsh reality of the landscape in winter.
"There had been recent heavy snowfall with freezing conditions. He didn’t have food with him or any extra gear for warmth or shelter."
Police Search and Rescue responded with a helicopter, alongside land search and rescue, and the man was successfully walked out.
Despite being extremely cold, he was uninjured.
Shepherd said he thought the man knew he had a close call.
"If conditions had worsened or he had been unable to make a phone call, he’d have been in real trouble.
"Anyone heading out in the back-country needs to be aware that conditions are harsh through winter and can change on a dime. Even experienced trampers can get caught out."
He urged anyone planning a trip to be equipped and prepared for the conditions when tramping.
"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 operations manager Libby O' Brien said Tongariro National Park in winter is 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."
