Under the search scenario, two "trampers" who had been walking in the Green Ridge track area had become separated after a dispute, with one continuing on his way and another retracing his steps, but later being injured.
As Operation Silver Peaks swung into action, two search teams entered the rugged upland search area north of Dunedin about 9pm on Friday, and searched through the night, after the simulated exercise began at 7pm.
Further search teams entered the area on Saturday, with up to five teams working simultaneously, and about 40 people in the field at various times.
One of the "missing" trampers was located about noon and the other found at 1.30pm.
About 20 people, including amateur radio operators, were based at the search headquarters, which was set up at the Dunedin central police station.
Among the participants were eight people from the Catlins, some volunteer searchers from Milton, and others from Central Otago.
Police Sergeant Simon Mapp was one of four co-ordinators for the exercise, the others being civilian volunteers from LandSAR, the search and rescue organisation.
The operation had proved "a huge success", with objectives achieved, areas for improvement identified and participants having a "good work-out" and some fun along the way, Sgt Mapp said.
A constantly updated electronic map, containing a great deal of information about the search, was projected on a screen at search headquarters.
This year, two systems for "live tracking" were used for the first time, with information from satellite-linked navigation devices carried by the search teams being radioed back to headquarters, enabling the exact position of each team to be included on the map.
Sgt Mapp said that use of the electronic map and the "live tracking" helped improve search efficiency and overall safety.
However, by far the most crucial contribution still came from fit and knowledgeable volunteer searchers who willingly gave up their own time to safeguard people who were missing or injured, he said.
