Safety warning after caving team rescued

People thinking of tackling caves such as Harwoods Hole on the Takaka Hill have been warned that detailed planning is essential.

Four experienced climbers had to be helped from the cave on Monday, the third such rescue this year from the caving system.

The group included a West Coast alpine guide and three Department of Conservation staff, but Nelson Search and Rescue co-ordinator Sherp Tucker said they did not have enough knowledge to complete the trip.

It was frustrating that people went into the hole without enough planning or experience, he said.

"People think the hardest part is the hole, but there is a technical caving system to get through as well."

Harwoods Hole is a 175m hole that leads into a caving system that takes about three hours to walk through to the Starlight Cave entrance at Gorge Creek.

It then takes a walk of two to three hours to get to the carpark.

A team of about 26 searchers went into the cave to rescue the group when a family member reported them overdue.

Rescued caver Jeff Richardson, a Fox Glacier alpine guide who had been down Harwoods Hole before, said it was a relief when the rescue team met them.

Mr Richardson said they had decided to stay put after realising they had made a navigational error and could not find their way out. He said they were well prepared, with plenty of food and warm clothing and had a cosy night in the cave.

"We are just all very pleased to be out. We made a navigational error."

Mr Richardson said cavers should not take the trip lightly and should speak to local cavers before entering the hole.

The group would make a donation to search and rescue and they were very thankful for their efforts.

The other three cavers, Department of Conservation staff from the West Coast, said the ordeal had not put them off.

- NZPA