Search for the Dragonfly – November 2023
For 61 years, the whereabouts of New Zealand’s most famous lost aircraft has eluded searchers. Last weekend, a major exercise was launched to find the Dragonfly plane that disappeared carrying a honeymooning couple and three others. Mike White joined Wānaka’s … Continued
Operation Ada- April 2022
Wanaka Search and Rescue canyon/swift water team Milford Sound area – April 28-31 – 2022 Mid-morning on Tuesday, April 29, Wanaka Search and Rescue canyon/swiftwater team coordinator Roy Bailey received a call from Wanaka Police asking him to place a … Continued
Gillespie Pass, Mount Aspiring National Park: 2015
On Saturday 25th of April 2015, 20 year old American student Ally Willen went missing after crossing Gillespie Pass between the Young and Wilkin river valley’s in Mt Aspiring National Park. The weather on the 25th was horrendous, with … Continued
High Country Rescue Documentary
The documentary “High Country Rescue was filmed on location over 3 years with the Wanaka LandSAR. This is a fantastic series and can be purchased from TVNZ Follow the New Zealand Police, and Search and Rescue volunteers as they brave the … Continued
Mountain Rescue – book by Phil Melchior
Mountain Rescue is written by Phil Melchior, a member of the Wanaka Search and Rescue team and can be purchased online. Thrilling tales of search and rescue in high-country New Zealand. Ill-equipped, underprepared, suffering from summit fever or just plain … Continued
