ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Wellington tramper and dog winched to safety from freezing Tararua Ranges

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 9 Jul 2025, 6:35pm
Experienced Wellington tramper David Graham and his dog were plucked to safety from freezing conditions in the Tararua Range on Tuesday morning. Photo / New Zealand Defence Force
Experienced Wellington tramper David Graham and his dog were plucked to safety from freezing conditions in the Tararua Range on Tuesday morning. Photo / New Zealand Defence Force

Wellington tramper and dog winched to safety from freezing Tararua Ranges

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 9 Jul 2025, 6:35pm

A lucky escape for a near-hypothermic Wellington tramper and his dog after the pair were rescued from freezing overnight conditions in the Tararua Ranges. 

David Graham and Winnie were winched to safety in an Air Force helicopter about 4.30am yesterday, where he was given the best hot chocolate of his life. 

Graham says he was well-prepared, but conditions deteriorated - and by 9pm, his sleeping bag froze. 

"When my dog started shaking, I realised that the temperature was dropping pretty quick, and so at that point I got in touch with emergency services."

LISTEN ABOVE

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you