Hiker Found Alive After 19 Days in NZ Wilderness

Graham Garnett walked into the New Zealand wilderness on December 30 and didn't come back when expected, sparking one of the country's most intensive search operations in recent memory.

The 66-year-old had set off tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area of Kahurangi National Park, a remote and rugged region on New Zealand's South Island. When he failed to return as planned, rescue teams mobilized immediately.

For nearly three weeks, Land Search and Rescue volunteers, New Zealand Defence Force helicopters, specialist teams, and dozens of supporters combed the dense forest and mountain terrain. Despite their extensive efforts, they found no trace of Garnett.

On Thursday, 16 days into the search, officials made the difficult decision to call off the operation. Hope began to fade for Garnett's family and the rescue teams who had worked tirelessly to find him.

But on Sunday afternoon, everything changed. Contractors working in the area discovered Garnett sheltering at Venus Hut, a remote backcountry shelter. He was alive.

"This is an amazing result. We are so pleased for Graham and his loved ones," said Sergeant Jonny Evans. Garnett was transported to Nelson Hospital, where he was reunited with his family after 19 days.

Why This Inspires

Garnett's survival showcases extraordinary human resilience in the face of extreme conditions. Alone in the wilderness with limited supplies, he managed to find shelter and endure nearly three weeks in one of New Zealand's most challenging terrains.

His discovery also highlights the dedication of search and rescue teams who never stopped hoping, even after the official search ended. The contractors who found him were working in one of the most remote areas of the park, proving that sometimes help comes from unexpected places.

Evans noted that "obviously he has been through quite an ordeal," but the joy among everyone involved in the search was palpable. The rescue teams who had spent weeks searching were delighted to learn their efforts, though officially concluded, had been part of a story with a happy ending.

For Garnett's family, what began as a nightmare ended with an embrace at the hospital. Their loved one had beaten the odds and made it home.