A young couple was rescued from Mount Ruapehu on Sunday night after they became lost in intense weather on their return trek down the mountain.
Ruapehu search and rescue coordinator Constable Mark Bolten said a report was received about 7.40pm of a pair that had become lost on the mountain as they attempted to return to the Iwikau Village carpark.
The couple had left the car park at 8.30am that morning to walk to the crater, where they aimed to arrive by midday, hoping to return before the weather set in.
Upon their arrival at Crater Lake, the weather had already begun to turn, with fog rolling in and torrential rain.
Weather events around the district had already caused severe flooding and slips that forced the couple from the track when visibility became difficult, Bolten said.
The pair called police when they realised they had lost their path and become lost following several hours of walking.
A mobile locate placed the couple in a hazardous area with cliff faces and now-flooded streams.
Bolten said a team of volunteers from the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue organisation was assembled which located the two hikers around 11pm.
They were "cold, wet, and very fatigued"
Conditions meant that the only option off the mountain was to assist the couple on foot, provided with warm dry clothing, food and drink.
Following a "very slow and painful walk" assisted by volunteers, they arrived safely off the mountain four hours later.
Bolten said the pair did not receive any injuries.
"However, not everyone is this lucky."
Ways to prepare for a hike in an alpine environment include:
- Before you go for a tramp or walk in the great outdoors let family and/or friends know where you’re going, and when to expect you back
- You can also use Mountain Safety Council’s free planning app Plan My Walk to leave your intentions
- Alternatively, leave a date and time to raise the alarm if you haven't returned using the Outdoors Intentions form
- Have an emergency locator beacon, which can be purchased from outdoor stores or hired from your closest DOC centre
- Take weather forecasts seriously — getting it wrong in an alpine environment can be deadly
- Research the area and know what you're getting yourself into
- Have the correct clothing for the environment you're in.
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