The increase of social media has seen many walkers, often overseas visitors, attracted to places beyond their experience or ability. Mount Brewster in Mount Aspiring National Park now has up to ten rescues a year as hundreds flock to have a selfie with the mountain and the glacial pools, but not everyone gets their Instragram worthy snapshot.Thanks to the LandSAR volunteers who shared their stories.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
--------
44:18
--------
44:18
With No Regrets
After five days trapped in the "Middle Peak Hotel" crevasse on the summit ridge of Aoraki Mount Cook, climbers Phil Doole and Mark Inglis were in big trouble – both having frostbite to their feet. By day 15 fears were held for their lives, until a short break in the weather and the heroic efforts of pilot Ron Small and rescuer Don Bogie.
Thanks to the LandSAR volunteers who shared their stories.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
--------
31:23
--------
31:23
Middle Peak Hotel
In November 1982, two climbers Phil Doole and Mark Inglis were trapped on the summit ridge of Aoraki Mount Cook at over 3000 metres. Taking shelter in a sparse crevasse near the summit, unseasonal weather – storms and high winds – thwarted any rescue attempts when the pair were declared missing after five days. Content warning: this series contains graphic descriptions of rescues and fatalities, as well as some strong language. If unsettling personal stories affect you, please take care while listening.Thanks to the LandSAR volunteers who shared their stories.Archive recordings supplied thanks to Ngā Tāonga Sound and VisionGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
--------
52:26
--------
52:26
The Way It Was
A typical rescue today is aided by GPS, personal location beacons, agile helicopters and LandSAR rescuers, many who are highly trained and well equipped volunteers. This is in stark contrast to the 1960s, where rescuers usually came from tramping clubs, they provided their own gear, and could be out in the field for days, it was all very "number 8 wire".Content warning: this series contains graphic descriptions of rescues and fatalities, as well as some strong language. If unsettling personal stories affect you, please take care while listening.Thanks to the LandSAR volunteers who shared their stories.Archive recordings supplied thanks to Ngā Tāonga Sound and VisionGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
--------
48:30
--------
48:30
Troglodytes
Not all rescues take place above ground. At the centre of the largest and most complex cave rescues ever attempted was Dr Michael Brewer. In 2007, the local doctor was trapped and injured two kilometres underground, cavers from all over the country were flown into Nelson to extract him from the little explored cave system in the Takaka Hills. Content warning: this series contains graphic descriptions of rescues and fatalities, as well as some strong language. If unsettling personal stories affect you, please take care while listening.Thanks to the LandSAR volunteers who shared their stories.Archive recordings supplied thanks to Ngā Tāonga Sound and VisionGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Each year, thousands of people need to be rescued in New Zealand’s unforgiving outdoors. Some searches are successful, some not. But behind each is an incredible story of courage.
New Zealand