Staff carrying out routine work in Kahurangi National Park say they were simply in the "right place at the right time" when they found missing tramper Graham Garnett at Venus Hut yesterday — just days after police suspended the official search.
He was discovered around 2.30pm on Sunday by contractors installing Department of Conservation signs ahead of a predator control operation. He was later flown to Nelson Hospital and reunited with his family.
Heliventures NZ said one of its pilots and a West Coast Regional Council staff member were on the ground carrying out routine work when they came across Garnett unexpectedly.
Tramper found in Kahurangi National Park after three weeks missing - see more on TVNZ+
Chief executive Nicki McMillan said the team were "thrilled with the great news".
"While being immensely proud of our staff, there was a huge amount of luck involved. We were in the right place at the right time and are extremely happy and relieved for Graham and his family and friends, who have undoubtedly been through an extremely difficult time over the past few weeks."
West Coast Regional Council said two of its staff members were involved in the rescue, with Environmental Sciences group manager Shanti Morgan saying they were "very proud" of the staff members and their role.
Garnett had been missing since December 30, when he failed to return from a solo tramp in the Baton/Ellis River area, prompting a major search across some of Kahurangi’s most challenging terrain.
A Defence Force NH90 helicopter, specialist radar technology and multiple Land Search and Rescue teams were deployed, with efforts focused on spurs and major waterways off the Wharepapa/Arthur Range.
Parts of the Baton Valley — including the Wilkinson Track, Baton Saddle and sections of the range — were temporarily closed during the operation.
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