Missing Far North hunter found barefoot on cliff face after hours-long search
More than seven hours alone, barefoot and dehydrated in steep bushland awaited a Far North man who became separated from his hunting party on Sunday night.
He was eventually spotted on a steep cliff face giving the police Eagle helicopter a thumbs-up after a lengthy search.
Police were called about 7pm on Sunday after the man went missing from his group in the Hokianga’s Warawara Forest.
The party had spent several hours looking for the man before calling police, Detective Sergeant Ryan Cooper said.
Police and Land Search and Rescue teams were deployed to the area covering 6800ha of bush and mountainous terrain.
A GPS dog collar helped identify where the man was last seen, with teams heading to search for him just after 10.30pm.
They traversed the steep terrain, using sound-line techniques when visibility was limited in the hopes of locating him.
Three hours later, the man responded and confirmed he was safe, providing rescuers with his rough location.
“Dense vegetation made the search challenging, with aerial search crews taking 30 minutes to locate him,” Cooper said.
The police Eagle helicopter’s spotlight helped pinpoint his location, with a quick thumbs up providing reassurance he wasn’t hurt, he said.
Crews reached the man, barefoot and dehydrated, at 2.50am.
After having something to eat and drink, the group began the three-hour trek back to safety across rugged terrain and a river.
The man was reunited with his family at daybreak, Cooper said.
The local Mitimiti community provided search teams a base and hospitality, something police were “greatly appreciative” of.
“This is a reminder that no matter how well you know a forest or hunting spot, a situation can quickly turn dangerous, particularly when you’re underprepared.”
Cooper said people should always communicate their plans, dress for the conditions and take reliable means of communication.
“Proper preparation can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.”
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.