5 people rescued on Tongariro Crossing in 6 days
 

Trampers are often rescued from NZ tracks, more so in summer. Please prepare adequately and read up on walking tracks before heading out. The local I-Site and/or DOC offices are a great resource for up-to-date track info and conditions. In the last 6 days, 5 people were rescued from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and this is midsummer.
Wellington.scoop.co.nz » Five rescued on Tongariro crossing ? challenges under-estimated

Four trampers rescued from Queenstown track three days ago:
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queens...ed-remarkables

The DOC website categorizes tracks according to "your skills, fitness and the experience you want."
Walking track categories: Tracks and walks

Good advice Diamantina.
People underestimate the conditions in New Zealand greatly. Take it seriously and be well prepared. Also you cannot count on your cell phone working everywhere to call for help nor can you always count on someone coming past to help you. We have a small population and parts of NZ are pretty rugged and remote so searching is difficult. Worst case is the Czech tramper alone in the hut for weeks before she was found.

"Also you cannot count on your cell phone working everywhere to call for help nor can you always count on someone coming past to help you."
So true, tasmangirl. My cell phone won't even work in many parts of Dunedin.

Many who are lost and in need of rescue have unintentionally wandered off the track, gotten separated from their tramping companions, or fallen down a slope, cliff, waterfall, etc., where they might lay injured for hours or have to crawl to the closest shelter. One tragedy I recall is the death of a 20-year-old American student who became separated from her two friends, then possibly slipped off a track, fell into a Mt. Aspiring Park river and drowned.
Allison Willen's friends mourn 'sweet, caring' girl | Newshub
https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-ti...g-from-coroner

The Mountain Safety Council reported, "her group's decision to split up played a significant part in her death. If the group had been travelling together, they would have been able to judge the conditions, discuss their options and make decisions utilising shared skills and experience."

NZ's Mountain Safety Council's tips for day walkers is a worthwhile read for those planning on tramping:
https://www.mountainsafety.org.nz/ac...g/day-walking/
https://issuu.com/nzmountainsafetyco...22887/31663972

Many lost trampers are injured. The below article about a young German tramper who last year fell down a waterfall near Wanaka also briefly alludes to the Czech tramper you mentioned:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/913...-national-park
The Czech tramper and her partner set off tramping in winter, despite being warned not to. She spent three nights exposed to extreme weather before she reached the Lake McKenzie camp on the Routeburn Track, where she broke into a warden's hut through a window and waited for help for a month.

Even experienced trampers familiar with the terrain can get lost or injured. Many of these experienced trampers carry personal locator beacons, which can be rented, and/or belong to tramping and mountaineering clubs, such as these:
https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/no-tramper-left-behind/
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/t...-set-challenge

It's also worth thinking about the many resources involved in finding lost trampers—LandSAR volunteers; rescue helicopters and the pilots, medical staff and equipment needed onboard, which are supported mainly by donations and sponsorships.