A grandmother and granddaughter who set out for a bush walk on Sunday afternoon are no doubt thanking their lucky stars after a late night rescue.
The pair had set out at about 4.30pm on Sunday with their four dogs for an afternoon walk at the base of the Mangamukas.
But after nearly three hours they quickly realised they had lost their way and darkness was looming.
Constable Sam Davidson, from Whangārei Police Search and Rescue, says Police received a call for help at about 7.40pm and it wasn’t long before a team was assembled and deployed.
“The information we received indicated that both women were lightly dressed and had no food or water.
“The granddaughter also had a mobile phone on her but it only had 10 per cent battery and no data.
“A team of seven Far North Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) members left Kerikeri at about 8.30pm and arrived at their last known location near Abraham Road at about 9.20pm.”
Constable Davidson says the team were able to make voice contact after an hour and by 11.35pm the pair were being walked out safe and well.
“It was a really good response and result.
“They had a couple of minor cuts and bruises but it was a fantastic team effort.”
Constable Davidson says it was also a timely reminder for people to prepare and be ready for an unexpected situation and to have the ability to navigate if necessary, even if it’s just data on your phone.
“I also want to reiterate how important it is during these types of situations that we back our LandSAR team.
“They are well-trained, efficient and experts in their field and we couldn’t do what we do without them.”
ENDS.
Holly McKay/NZ Police