Search and Rescue, Te Toto Gorge Track

The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched shortly after midnight to the Te Toto Gorge track, on the seaward face of Mt Kariori, located to the south of Raglan.

A 40 year old male had been reported missing, since Sunday, and his vehicle had been located in the parking lot of the popular hiking trail. A search had been carried out on foot to no avail.

A search operation was initiated and the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter located the man quickly after initiating the aerial search. The helicopter team utilised night vision googles in the search.

He had apparently slipped off the track and fallen down a cliff, from where he unable to climb back up.

He was initially taken to the Raglan Police station, where he was treated for hypothermia and several cuts and scrapes. He was then flown by the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter to Waikato Hospital for further assessment.

Philips Search and Rescue Trust (PSRT) is a charitable organisation, operating rescue helicopters throughout the Central North Island. Philips Search and Rescue Trust relies on support from principal sponsors and community donations. Special thanks to Waikato King Country’s principal sponsor, Westpac. This crucial financial support ensures our rescue helicopters can continue to bring life-saving equipment, rescue personnel and trauma-trained medics directly to the patient. For further information about PSRT visit our website rescue.org.nz

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