Walkers asked to exercise 'common sense'

Walkers approach the summit of Ben Lomond. PHOTO: ODT FILES
Walkers approach the summit of Ben Lomond. PHOTO: ODT FILES
After three search and rescue efforts in the past four days, Queenstown police are urging visitors to "have some common sense" when planning walks.

Senior Sergeant Paula Enoka said a 21-year-old Australian man was rescued from a bluff on the southern face of Ben Lomond on Wednesday night after deviating from the track on his descent.

After police were notified about 8pm, the Alpine Cliff Rescue team was dropped near the man by helicopter, and used ropes to rescue him.

About an hour earlier, a 24-year-old Frenchman had been found in darkness high on the Remarkables after friends contacted police to say they were worried about him.

He had begun walking from Queenstown at 3am, saying he planned to walk "to the top of the Remarkables and back" that day.

On Tuesday, a Chinese woman walked out of the hills near Arrowtown after sparking an overnight search by a helicopter and ground teams. She had spent the night in the open after losing her way on the Big Hill Trail.

Snr Sgt Enoka said although the weather was still pleasant, it was moving into winter, and walkers needed to plan accordingly.

"People need to be aware of distances, their timings and being prepared with the necessary equipment, and being realistic about their abilities."

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