Media release

26 August 2016

DOC continues to support rescued Routeburn tramper

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is continuing to support the Czech tramper rescued from the Routeburn Track on Wednesday.

DOC Wakatipu Operations Manager Geoff Owen said staying put in the DOC warden’s hut at Lake Mackenzie was the only action she could take and she has shown courage, resilience and common sense.

Conditions permitting, the Police and LandSAR will make another attempt this morning to recover the man’s body. Due to weather conditions and the nature of the terrain, it was not possible to recover the body yesterday.

DOC rangers will secure the Lake Mackenzie warden’s hut once Police have completed their scene examination.

Geoff Owen said DOC will also carry out its own operational review of the incident.

“Tackling the southern Great Walks out of season can be risky and DOC provides detailed information about the track and conditions visitors face in winter,” he said. “However, we want to ensure we are doing all we reasonably can to ensure public safety.”

Outdoors users are reminded that alpine and avalanche conditions exist on tracks at this time of the year, and weather conditions can be more extreme. The Routeburn track is winterised in May which means facilities and services are reduced. Users need a higher level of competence and self-sufficiency than during the summer season.

DOC encourages people to inform others of their intentions before heading into the outdoors. Intentions can be logged on www.adventuresmart.org.nz or tell your family and friends. Information on track conditions can be found on www.govt.nz or at DOC visitor centres. Signs on the tracks also provide information on track conditions.

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