Key Takeaways
- A family was stranded in the Waioweka Gorge due to slips and flooding along the highway
- They were forced to evacuate the area by helicopter and leave most of their personal possessions behind
- The family was taken to Gisborne, where they spent their first night with a local family before moving to a hotel
- Despite the ordeal, no one was injured and the family is grateful for the help they received from locals and the New Zealand Defence Force
- The family plans to continue their holiday in the South Island before flying home to Zurich
Introduction to the Ordeal
The Waioweka Gorge, a scenic and remote area, became a challenging and unexpected destination for a family who found themselves stranded due to slips and flooding along the highway. The family, who was on holiday, had been enjoying their time in the area until the weather took a turn for the worse. As the night fell, they heard the sound of cars and trucks driving on the road, but by 8am the next morning, it was quiet. However, within the hour, the campsite was flooded with cars, "like refugees," as people who had been stranded by the slips and flooding along the highway sought shelter.
The Evacuation Efforts
As the situation became more dire, the family realized they had to act quickly to ensure their safety. With no mobile connection available, they were able to contact the police through a satellite connection, and soon, others who were stranded along the route were being dropped off by helicopter at the campsite. The family was later flown out by a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) helicopter to Matawai, and from there, they were driven by police to Gisborne. The evacuation process was not easy, as they had to leave most of their personal possessions behind, with each person only allowed to take one bag.
The Aftermath
The family spent their first night in Gisborne with a local family, who kindly took them in, before shifting to a hotel. Despite the challenges they faced, the family is grateful that no one was injured during the ordeal. Maja Hugli, the mother, expressed her appreciation for the help they received from the locals and the NZDF. She even got to see the new NZDF helicopter, which was a silver lining in an otherwise difficult situation. The family is now looking forward to continuing their holiday in the South Island before flying home to Zurich from Christchurch.
Recovering Lost Possessions
The family is also working on recovering their left-behind possessions, with Maja posting on Facebook about potentially getting them back. Locals have been very helpful, and her husband is being taken back to the campsite to try and retrieve their vehicle, which they hope to drive to Gisborne to continue their holiday. The family’s experience is a testament to the kindness and generosity of strangers, who came together to help them in their time of need.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The family’s ordeal in the Waioweka Gorge was a challenging and unexpected experience, but they are grateful for the help they received and the fact that no one was injured. As they look to the future, they are excited to continue their holiday in the South Island, where they will participate in a marathon this Saturday. After that, they will head to Christchurch, from where they will fly back home to Zurich. Despite the setbacks, the family is determined to make the most of their time in New Zealand and create lasting memories.
