Kahurangi National Park, South Island – In a remarkable turn of events, a tramper who had been missing for more than two weeks in Kahurangi National Park has been found alive sheltersing in a remote backcountry hut.
66-year-old Graham Garnett was reported overdue after failing to return from a tramp in the Baton/Ellis River area on December 30, 2025. Search and rescue teams had been scouring the rugged terrain of New Zealand’s second-largest national park for weeks, using helicopters, specialist teams and ground crews to locate him.
Despite an extensive search effort that eventually moved into a limited phase earlier this month, hope had dimmed that Garnett might be found. On January 15, authorities announced the official search would be called off as conditions hampered further movement.
That all changed when contractors working in the park came across him alive in Venus Hut on January 18, around 2.30 pm. He was immediately taken to Nelson Hospital, where he was reunited with his family.
Police Search and Rescue Sergeant Jonny Evans described the discovery as an “amazing result,” adding that everyone involved in the search was “delighted” that Garnett had survived what had clearly been a difficult ordeal.
The search operation had included efforts from Land Search and Rescue volunteers, specialist teams, the New Zealand Defence Force, and the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand, alongside numerous community volunteers and supporters.
Kahurangi National Park – known for its steep terrain, dense bush and remote valleys – covers a vast area of the northwest South Island, making search operations especially challenging.
Authorities and whānau alike have welcomed the news, saying it is a powerful reminder of both the resilience of those lost in the backcountry and the dedication of the search and rescue community across Aotearoa.
Radio Waatea News will continue to provide updates on Graham Garnett’s recovery and any safety messages for trampers preparing to head into our national parks.
