The failure of tramping parties to stay together was the main factor in the deaths of two people in separate incidents in Mt Aspiring National Park earlier this year, a coroner has found.
Otago Southland coroner David Crerar said the deaths of American exchange student Allison Willen (20) and Brock Oliver (42), of Wellington, should send a clear message to trampers.
‘‘Keeping a party together enhances the decision-making process.
"A tramper on his or her own may not even appreciate the fact there is a point in their journey where a decision ought to be made.''
Ms Willen, also known as Ally, was found dead in the Young Valley northwest of Makarora on May 2 after becoming separated from two companions in severe weather on the Gillespie Pass on April 25.
Mr Crerar said she probably slipped and fell into a flooded Young River and drowned after striking her head.
Fatigue, a lack of warm clothing and inexperience were contributing factors.
He cited a comment by police search and rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Aaron Nicholson at an inquest in Queenstown in September that when tramping groups stayed together, it led to "improved morale and less anxiety, better decision-making and provides some immediate assistance to a member of the party should there be an unexpected accident or incident''.
Mr Crerar did not blame Ms Willen's companions, as they had been cold, tired and faced a "dilemma''.
Mr Oliver was last seen alive on January 4 on a track in the upper reaches of the Wilkin River west of Makarora.
He was on a six-day tramp of the Young and Wilkin valleys with his partner and his partner's father and brother.
Mr Crerar found Mr Oliver drowned after being swept off his feet or slipping on rocks while trying to cross the river at the entrance to a gorge about 2km from the group's campsite at Jumboland flat.
He had earlier decided to split from the group and continue alone along the river instead of following the track back to the camp.
Despite being the least experienced member of the group, "he chose to separate himself from the others in the group at the time that he had the most need for their advice''.
