During a holiday visit to Lake Rotoma, I joined a friend to explore a local loop track through the bush. The trail was unmarked, with only a rough map and vague directions, but as experienced trail runners, we felt confident setting out.

Prepared for the conditions, I carried water, food, thermal gear, emergency supplies, and a borrowed PLB.
What was meant to be a short loop quickly turned into a series of wrong decisions. We took incorrect turns, lost the trail entirely, and continued navigating through difficult terrain, including steep ridgelines, dense bush, and fallen trees. As the day wore on, progress slowed, and it became clear we would not make it out before dark.

At 5:30pm, we made the decision to stop and call for help. We activated the PLB and managed to get brief cell coverage to contact emergency services. While we were uninjured, we needed assistance to safely exit the area.

Search and Rescue teams were deployed and began navigating in from multiple directions. Hours later, in the darkness, we heard the sound of a whistle. The relief was immediate. The team reached us, assessed our condition, and guided us safely out of the bush. By 2:00am, we were back to safety.

While the experience was a lesson in navigation and decision-making, it reinforced the importance of preparation. We had the right gear, stayed calm, and made the call for help when it mattered most.
The PLB proved to be a vital lifeline, and it’s now a permanent part of my kit for every adventure.