Ocean Signal PLB1 Helps Rescue Injured Hiker in New Zealand Backcountry

What happened?

I was solo hiking New Zealand’s 3,000-kilometer Te Araroa Trail from the South Island to the North Island.

On Boxing Day 2024, I was about 500 kilometers into the journey, hiking the Timaru River Track in the Lake Hawea backcountry. Overnight rain had left the river high and fast-flowing. After completing four difficult crossings in thigh-deep water, I decided to pitch my tent and wait until the following day.

Before finding a suitable place to stop, I tripped on a wet tree root. My right foot slid down the slope, and I heard my ankle crack. I crawled to a tree, took ibuprofen, applied Voltaren gel, and attempted to stand. It was impossible.

I knew I could not walk out, and no one else was likely to pass that day. I removed the Ocean Signal PLB1 from my shoulder strap, extended the antenna, and activated it. I then changed out of my wet clothes, put on warm layers and rain gear, and prepared to wait.

Before long, I heard a helicopter approaching. Dense beech forest made me difficult to see, but after circling the area, the crew spotted me in a small clearing. The helicopter returned five minutes later with rescuer Gary suspended beneath it on a longline.

Gary reached the track, stabilized my ankle, and secured me in a harness. We were longlined to a plateau downriver, where the helicopter could land, before I was flown to Wanaka Medical Center.

Pilot James recorded my PLB1 serial number and explained that the crew trusted the registered coordinates transmitted by the beacon. In his experience, a PLB provided a more precise search location than an inReach, helping the crew find me more quickly.

My ankle was broken and required surgery. Although my Te Araroa journey ended suddenly, I recovered in Wanaka with the support of many kind people. I plan to return for the 2026/27 season and finish what I began, with my PLB by my side. It is an essential piece of equipment for any solo hiker.

Words of wisdom

A PLB shows the rescue team your exact location compared to a In reach that shows the area you are situated. You can loose valuable rescue time if you hard to see from air/water.

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

I’m so grateful for my PLB. It’s a device you never wish you have to activate, but when you do. It was an absolutely lifesaver to know help was on the way.