An isolated pocket of cellphone coverage has helped save a Greymouth tramper trapped by a flooded river in the Buller Gorge.
Kevin Boyes, 48, had gone into the bush on a day trip, but became disorientated and spent a night in the open.
He was winched to safety at 6.45pm yesterday by the Solid Energy rescue helicopter, but his rescue might not have been possible without cellphone coverage, said Constable Sean Judd, of West Coast search and rescue.
"In this case it was very lucky that our subject got stuck in the only area of cellular phone coverage for miles. Even with talking to him on the phone from the helicopter it took several passes to locate him amongst the tall trees," Mr Judd said.
"Without this, the chances of locating him were very slim."
Mr Boyes set off into the gorge via Hawks Crag Stream, on Wednesday, intending to return that day.
An experienced tramper, he became disoriented on the loop walk, and spent much of the night trying to find his way out, Mr Judd said.
He did not have adequate equipment for an overnight stay, and spent most of the night on his feet.
His partner alerted police yesterday morning, but shortly after received a text message from Mr Boyes, in which he said he would walk out to the Buller Gorge via the Blackwater River.
Yesterday afternoon, he told rescuers he was trapped by bluffs and the now-flooded Blackwater River. He was also tired and wet.
It was good Mr Boyes had told his partner where he was going, and remained in one place once he realised his situation, Mr Judd said.
Trampers should always take extra supplies, even on a day trip, in case they had to spend a night in the open, he said. They should always check the weather forecast too.
Mr Boyes was "absolutely exhausted" today, but was recovering from his ordeal.