Hunter rescued from Darnley Creek

On the 24th of October 2009, a hunter was airlifted out of the Darnley creek area of the Waitangitoana river valley near Whataroa. He sustained a broken leg and ribs. The 48 year old man had been hunting Chamois in the area with another man when he slipped and fell down a 20-30 foot bank. He landed heavily on rocks.
The Westpac rescue helicopter from Christchurch was brought in and successfully winched him out. The aircrew stated it was a routine winch though they had to be weary of high native trees in the vicinity.
Seven Fox Glacier glacier guides and several Whataroa locals were put on standby to assist in a stretcher carry, in case the helicopter could not access the injured mans location.

The hunters were fully prepared for their travels and carried and activated an Epirb which was picked up by the Rescue co ordination centre in Lower Hutt. Police praise the men's preparedness.