Wakatipu Search and Rescue

Starting in the early 1980s, our Group has now been operational for some 30+ years. Initially, the group comprised of a small team of Police, National Park Rangers and keen trampers. We currently maintain a membership of around 40 persons drawn from around the Wakatipu area including Police SAR personnel. Wakatipu Search Management can now draw on four units of different disciplines depending upon the type of situation and terrain involved ie Bush/Alpine, ACR, Dogs and Swift Water. In a diverse and spectacular landscape, the group is involved in some 20 SAR Operations a year in terrain ranging from remote alpine regions of the Southern Alps through beech forests to semi arid tussock lands; and in braided rivers through swift flowing mountain gorges to rural and urban areas.