'He's Extremely Lucky To Be Alive': Hiker Found Alive After 3 Weeks Missing

January 19, 2026

A 66-year-old hiker who vanished deep inside Kahurangi National Park in New Zealand has been found alive after nearly three weeks missing — in an outcome authorities are calling nothing short of remarkable.

Graham Garnett / Credit: New Zealand Police

Graham Garnett failed to return from a solo hiking trip on December 30, triggering a massive search effort across the rugged national park. Heavy cloud cover and worsening weather conditions had caused him to become disoriented, and a single wrong turn sent him far off course.

Over the following weeks, search teams worked tirelessly, deploying helicopters, specialist teams, radar technology, and dozens of searchers on the ground, in rivers, and in the air. Despite the extensive operation, no sign of Garnett was found, and police ultimately made the difficult decision to suspend the search.

Unbeknownst to rescuers, Garnett had been moving for much of that time. He sustained injuries along the way but continued trying to find his way out by following streams and ridgelines. Eventually, he recognized a river that led him to Venus Hut — a remote shelter inside the park — where he arrived just a day or two before help finally came.

On Friday afternoon around 2:30 p.m., contractors working in the area discovered Garnett alive inside the hut. He was flown to hospital and has since been reunited with his family, who say they were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and deeply grateful to everyone involved in the search.

"We want to acknowledge the time and effort put in by the NZ Police and Land Search and Rescue, including searchers on the ground, in the rivers and in the air,” the family said in a statement. “We are also deeply thankful to those who joined two private searches. Your professionalism, compassion and expertise were exemplary. To those who helped us in the field by providing radios, freeze-dried meals and specialist searching skills and equipment, we are truly grateful."

Police described the discovery as an incredible result and praised Garnett’s resilience and determination, noting how fortunate it was that he survived such a prolonged ordeal in harsh conditions.

"This is an amazing result. We are so pleased for Graham and his loved ones," Sergeant Jonny Evans said.

"He’s extremely lucky to be alive."

Sources: NZ Herald, 1News (New Zealand)