Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 12 August 2026
The coroner found that 37-year-old Rebecca Woolley died from hypothermia and a spinal fracture after becoming lost, while tramping on Mount Aicken.
Mount Aicken Track ends at bush line and the terrain beyond there is challenging and mostly unmarked. There are poles and three large triangle markers to aid people at key decision points. It’s an area recommended for experienced alpine trampers.
Coroner Alex Cunninghame recommended DOC review the timing of its’ annual marker inspection at a time where snow conditions allowed staff to complete the inspection safely.
DOC Visitor Safety and Standards Manager Andy Roberts says the markers on Mount Aicken, while not yet checked in the spring of 2021 due to snow loading, were all in place and in good condition at the time Rebecca Woolley was there. He says DOC has reviewed the marker checking schedule and staff are planning to check them in early October if snow conditions allow, as per the coroner’s recommendation.
“Our hearts go out to Rebecca’s family at this time. Her death leaves a huge hole for her family and friends. Following a tragedy in the same area in 2006, we installed more markers where it seemed trampers were taking a wrong turn and updated the information on our website highlighting the risks with this route and the difficult, steep terrain,” he says.
Coroner Cunninghame recommended the public carry appropriate navigation tools and know how to use them before entering unmarked terrain and if lost, avoid an attempt to self-correct, stop and seek assistance early while communication options remain available.
Andy Roberts says people becoming lost or having incidents on unmarked routes is becoming an increasing issue.
“What we have seen over recent years is people going off tracks or routes and not necessarily having the equipment or the skills to deal with the conditions.
The New Zealand outdoors are amazing but can be unforgiving. Getting the message through about the skills and essential equipment is important so that people can enjoy the outdoors safely.
“It’s a tragedy when people lose their lives in the mountains and we do as much as we can to prevent this, providing safety information on our website and at our visitors centres. Our tracks and structures are maintained for people to use, but on unmarked difficult routes even while doing a day walk, you can get into challenging alpine terrain pretty quickly and you need to be very careful, take precautions by having the right gear, maps and communication devices. If in doubt, ask experts and seek advice on whether the trip is right for you and your experience and always check the weather forecast,” Andy Roberts says.
Contact
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Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/08/12/coroners-findings-prompt-safety-messages-for-trampers/