Man rescued from Wairere Falls, Matamata after losing tramping party in Boxing Day hike

A hiker has been rescued at Wairere Falls after being lost in the bush for a day and a half after becoming separated from his friends on a Boxing Day hike.

The man was rescued Friday night in a six-hour mission off Wairere Falls that involved multiple Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) volunteers.

Police said his friends noticed the 35-year-old was missing after reaching the Te Okioki Hut on the North South track, where they planned to stay on Thursday night.

The group camped overnight and raised the alarm when they reached an area with cellphone reception the next day.

The missing hiker attempted to walk out of his location on Friday morning, and called police once he had cellphone reception.

Police contacted local LandSAR volunteers from Te Aroha and Paeroa, who used teams from the north and south to reach the lost man in a six-hour rescue operation at Wairere Falls.

The man was rescued from Wairere Falls near Matamata in a six-hour operation. Photo / Gary Clare

The Thames LandSAR group helped with radio and placed a repeater atop the waterfall to keep communication, and a dog handler was also sent out.

The man was rescued around 7pm on Friday and given food and drink before he was walked to nearby farmland.

The hiker had run out of water and was fatigued when they rescued him.

“Due to the remote location of where the man was, the rescue took approximately six hours,” police said.

“Police would like to thank volunteers who located and assisted the hiker to safety, following which his grateful family shouted the LandSAR volunteers some pizzas.”

Sergeant Mark Harrison said the rescue was a timely reminder for those planning to set out for a walk or hike.

Police said it is essential for hikers to pack extra food and water, stick close to their groups, and carry a personal locator beacon to activate if they get lost and can’t find a way out.

“While a cellphone with sufficient battery is also essential, you can’t always rely on having reception.”

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