Disoriented by heavy cloud and with weather conditions closing in, one wrong turn was all it took to send Graham Garnett deep within the Kahurangi National Park for almost three weeks.

Police have just released the full details of the 66-year-old’s ordeal in the Kahurangi National Park - which ended yesterday when he was chanced upon by contractors.

“His family did not know if they would see him again,” said Sergeant Jonny Evans.

“However, incredibly, he was found alive – and his loved ones want to ensure his ordeal reminds others to take safety precautions before heading into the bush.

“He’s extremely lucky to be alive.”

A major search operation began after Garnett did not return from his tramping trip in the Baton Valley as planned on December 30.

After nearly three weeks there was no sign of Garnett despite exhaustive scouring of the national park by Land Search and Rescue, specialist teams, New Zealand Defence Force and the Rescue Co-ordination Centre along with many volunteers and supporters.

Graham Garnett went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area of the Kahurangi National Park. Photo / Police

“Graham had been on the move much of the time, and had sustained injuries along the way,” Evans said this afternoon.

“He had tried to get himself out numerous ways, by following streams and ridges and finally finding the Karamea River, which he recognised, and which led him back to Venus Hut.”

Evans said during the search the hut - and others - had been checked.

Garnett arrived there only a day or so before the contractors discovered him.

He was found about 2.30pm yesterday by a Heliventures NZ pilot and a West Coast Regional Council staffer.

The pair were installing signs at Venus Hut for the Department of Conservation (DoC) ahead of a predator control operation.

Venus Hut. Photo / Department of Conservation

Evans said Garnett remains in hospital, surrounded by his loved ones.

“His family have requested privacy as he continues to heal,” he said.

The family issued a statement via police saying they had “been overwhelmed by the support” given to them.

“We want to acknowledge the time and effort put in by the NZ Police and Land Search and Rescue, including searchers on the ground, in the rivers and in the air,” they said.

“We are also deeply thankful to those who joined two private searches.

“Your professionalism, compassion and expertise were exemplary.

“To those who helped us in the field by providing radios, freeze-dried meals and specialist searching skills and equipment, we are truly grateful.

“We also thank friends and family who gave love and support in many different ways.

“Last but not least we are in awe of Graham, his incredible self-reliance, resilience and perseverance.

“Words cannot express how overjoyed we are to have him back and we acknowledge the Kahurangi National Park as a place of rugged beauty.”

The New Zealand Defence Force was enlisted to aid in the search for a tramper who went missing in a South Island national park more than a week ago.

Garnett’s family and police also wanted to remind anyone heading out into the bush or back country to go prepared, to increase their chance of survival, should the unthinkable happen.

“New Zealand has spectacular back country areas and a great outdoors culture,” Evans said.

“However, being stranded in the bush for days or weeks on end can be incredibly harsh and, in many cases, isn’t survivable.

“We want anyone heading out to take the appropriate precautions and come home safely.”

Police recommend the following:

• Anyone entering the back country should/must be carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), a device that makes your rescue possible at the touch of a button, as well as a paper map and a handheld GPS with spare batteries.
• While cellphones can sometimes be helpful, they should not be relied upon as your primary communication device due to their limited battery life and the limited coverage in the back country. Satellite cellphone services are growing and should be looked into.
• When traveling through the back country and passing or using huts, it is critical for trampers to make entries in the hut books. This allows responders to track their movements and gain understanding into their planned movements.
• Always plan your trip, and make sure friends or loved ones know what your plan is. This could be crucial information to pass on to a search party.
  If you do become lost or injured, stay where you are and make yourself visible to searchers. If it is safe to do so, light a fire to alert searchers to your position or signal in any way using brightly coloured items. Simple items can be carried such as a small mirror and whistle that can be used to signal your position.
• The NZ Mountain safety Council website www.mountainsafety.org.nz is the place to go to learn so much more about planning your adventures and what to do if things don’t go to plan.