Attributable to Sergeant Darren Cranfield,

For the second time this week, Wānaka Police have coordinated a search and rescue operation involving people in the alpine environment.

At around 1.45pm on Thursday 30 July, Police were notified of two snowboarders in need of assistance near Treble Cone ski field.

Two snowboarders ventured beyond the boundaries of the ski field to explore the back country before becoming lost for approximately six hours. At the time, weather conditions were extremely challenging, with heavy snowfall, strong winds, and near-zero visibility.