Thread: Search And Rescue

"Overdue trampers in the Tararua Ranges - Wairarapa - Wellington"

A search for two overdue trampers has been initiated by Wairarapa Search and Rescue in the area of Totara Flats in the Tararua Forest Park.

The two women, aged 40 and 60 (mother and daughter), left Mt.

Holdsworth carpark at about 9am on Sunday 3rd August. They intended to walk to the Waiohine Gorge Road end via Totara Flats using the Department of Conservation track that negiotates this area.

There has been heavy rain in the Tararua's (as much as 150 mm). The two women are not equipped for an overnight stay. The track is well serviced by bridges but rivers in the area are flooded. They failed to reach Waiohine Gorge Road end where they were due to be picked up at 5.30pm. It is about a 17km walk from Holdsworth Lodge to the Waiohine Gorge Road end.

Two search teams were deployed into the park to look for the women at 10.30pm. Heavy rain is continuing to fall in the area. It is hoped that the search teams will locate the women on the track or in the shelter of Totara Flats Hut.

If they are found, it is intended that the two women and the search team will be flown out after daylight.

The Incident Control Point for the search is the Wairarapa Search and Rescue base situated at Hood Aerodrome.