Taken during the search for Liat Okin which became one of New Zealand's largest search operations. One assumes she attempted a shortcut from Ocean Peak Corner off the Routeburn Track above Mackenzie Hut down to Gunns Camp on the Hollyford Valley floor below which looks deceptively easy to reach.
Photographs can be seen at http://www.nhc.net.nz/index/scenic-new-zealand/scenic.htm
This is my account of the trip down the hill where she was found. I hope it explains how an easy walk in the New Zealand bush can slowly become very difficult. Note we had radio communications, helicopter support, climbing equipment, plenty of light, adequate clothing and a look at the hill from the helicopter before descending.
From the track it appears to be a 2km walk through bush with a few undulations to the camp which can be seen on the valley floor below. The canyons appear as creases in the tree canopy lower down but where they form cant be seen. One assumes it will take about 3 hours. The last 1/4 of the hill is obscured by the curve of land. The view of the ocean from here is shown by a still in the video.
The first 100m is knee high tussock which leads from the well formed track to the bush line and is steep but easy. You then enter the bush line where the sea can still be seen through the trees and start to descend steep but manageable terrain. Some of it you could do with your hands in your pockets. You admire the beauty all around, fungi, colourful berries, majestic trees and carpets of moss. The combinations of soil, mosses and leaves underfoot are soft and easy. You are aware you are beginning a mission out of the ordinary but there is no cause for significant concern. You can no longer see the outside world except occasional peaks of the ranges on the far side of the valley miles away.
Getting lost is not an issue as you simply have to walk down until you intersect the Lower Hollyford Rd that runs along the valley floor or up to the track running parallel to the road. You can see the track, road and Gunns Camp on google earth by searching "Hollyford nz"
At about 300m or so into the bush you meet a canyon that is only visible from a short distance by the absence of low vegetation such as ferns, some would not notice this clue. You may notice a few patches of gray rock through the vegetation being the sheer and far wall as you approach it's edge, if light permits. You try and inspect but cannot get close enough to see all the way down and estimate it's about 20m deep from what you can see of it's far wall. So you veer away for a while to give it a wide berth and continue to descend determined to avoid walking or slipping in. It's the first sign of danger but can be avoided with care. The canyon intercepts your descent again. The contour lines of the map give the impression it less sever than it is being a minor geographical feature. The canyon guides you to a fairly gentle area of mild slopes with boulders the size of small houses, terraces the size of tennis courts and moss bearded ancient trees that stand amongst the ferns on carpets of moss. This area the camera cannot capture the wonder of, is in the video, at the end. She was found nearby.
The situation is now different from envisaged at the top. You are aware the only way out is down due to limited daylight left. You have discovered the hill is laced with near invisible canyons. You're committed to descending the unknown with a time limit. All seems ok as there is enough light if all goes well.
From this nice place you have to decide which route to descend to the road about two hours away. The difficulty is you can only see 5m to 30m ahead at any time. To the right there lurks the canyon that seems intent on crossing your path. You have a scout about for a route and there it is again blocking what seems the way to go. So you traverse across the hill further to give it a wide berth and find about 40m of easy descent through the ferns straight down a gully. That route eventually rolls you off the top of the ridge where you should be and draws you into a newly forming canyon parallel to the first. Option 1: Descend right down the floor of this newly forming canyon at high probability of it becoming too difficult further down so risk a long but manageable climb back out stealing the last of your energy and light. Option 2: Back up then and there while the climb back is only 30m then traverse above this new hazard for 20m back onto and down the top of the ridge between the two canyons hoping they don't meet further down blocking your exit. Now you have to guess what is the best option. You could be guessing for your life or at least a cold wet night you will never forget.
Flat bush is even worse. You can get lost after remarkably short distance not being able to see further than the next tree.
Hundreds of thousands enjoy our great walks. Prepare well and keep to the track.
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Thanks for this, good to have some detailed info of what happened
stopsurfing 3 years ago
Thanks.
clickthisway 3 years ago