A Czech hiker has been found alive and well after surviving for nearly a month in the New Zealand wilderness.
The woman was found in a remote hut after her partner fell to his death weeks earlier during a hike along the Routeburn Track on New Zealand’s South Island.
She had taken refuge in a hut near Lake Mackenzie after her partner’s death in early August.
"She managed to reach him. However, it’s believed he died not long after. She then made her way to a hut where she has been since early August," said police Inspector Olaf Jensen following several hours of questioning with the woman.
Police said both hikers were well equipped for the trek but did not inform many people of their plans and were not carrying a locator beacon.
Their plight only came to light when Czech consulate officials raised the alarm after relatives became concerned.
Search and rescue teams are still trying to locate the man’s body.
Inspector Jensen said the woman made the right call to stay put in the hut.
"Given the severe weather conditions and her physical capability as a result of the ordeal she was not able to make it out and made the right decision in staying at the hut until rescued," he said.
