A 55-year-old Christchurch hunter was found in the Jerry River area, near Gorge River in South Westland, early yesterday morning after spending a cold two nights in the bush because of bad weather.
Sergeant Tod Hollebon, of Te Anau, said the missing man's colleagues used their mountain radio on Monday afternoon to raise the alarm. Te Anau police initiated a search late that afternoon using a Southern Lakes Helicopter but the search and rescue team was forced to abandon the search at nightfall due to poor weather.
The search resumed at 5am yesterday using a helicopter equipped with NVG (night-vision goggles).
"The hunter was located quite quickly when his torchlight was seen shining through the forest canopy, using the NVG," Sgt Hollebon said.
"Apart from being cold and hungry, he was no worse for his ordeal. He was returned to his camp, where he will carry on hunting."
Although he recommended hunters carry a means of communication such as an EPIRB (emergency locator beacon), Sgt Hollebon said the hunter had done the right thing by remaining in the area and using the light source he had with him.
