Remarkable Survival in Kahurangi National Park
A 66-year-old tramper, Graham Garnett, who had been missing for nearly three weeks in New Zealand's rugged Kahurangi National Park, has been found alive. Garnett was discovered on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at approximately 2:30 PM, sheltering in Venus Hut by contractors working in the remote area.
Garnett had failed to return from a solo tramping trip in the Baton/Ellis River area of the park on December 30, triggering an extensive search and rescue operation.
Extensive Search Operation Concludes Successfully
The discovery brings a positive end to a large-scale, multi-agency search effort that involved numerous resources. Police Search and Rescue Sergeant Jonny Evans confirmed the news, stating, 'This is an amazing result. We are so pleased for Graham and his loved ones.'
The search operation, which was temporarily suspended on Thursday, January 15, 2026, due to a lack of new leads, deployed a wide array of personnel and equipment, including:
- Land Search and Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR) teams
- Specialist canyon teams
- A New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter
- Specialist radar technology
- The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand
- Numerous volunteers and support personnel
The search focused on challenging terrain, including spurs and large water systems running off the Wharepapa/Arthur Range. Parts of the Baton Valley, including the Wilkinson Track and Baton Saddle, were temporarily closed during the operation.
Recovery and Reunion
Following his discovery, Garnett was assessed at the scene before being extracted by a Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter, operated by GCH Aviation. He was then transported to Nelson Hospital, where he has since been reunited with his family. Sergeant Evans noted that Garnett had been through 'quite an ordeal,' and the police acknowledged the 'extraordinary efforts' of all involved in the search. Garnett's family has requested privacy as he recovers from his experience.
5 Comments
Mariposa
While it's wonderful that he was found alive, the sheer scale and cost of these operations for individuals needs to be considered. There's a fine line between personal adventure and public burden.
Muchacha
Glad he's safe, but this was completely avoidable. Common sense should prevail.
Comandante
What a testament to human resilience. An amazing survival story!
Bermudez
The focus is always on the tramper, but what about the contractors who actually found him?
ZmeeLove
Graham Garnett's survival is truly remarkable and a testament to his fortitude. But, one must question if enough is being done to educate trampers about the dangers of Kahurangi National Park and the importance of having a companion.