Coroner finds tramper died of hypothermia in Arthur’s Pass

Wednesday 12 August 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Wed 12 Aug, 8:49am

In this story Department of Conservation

A coroner has found that 37-year-old Rebecca Woolley died from hypothermia after becoming lost on an unmarked alpine route in Arthur’s Pass National Park in October 2021. The experienced tramper suffered a disabling spinal fracture after taking a wrong turn while hiking on Mount Aicken. The inquiry recommended that hikers carry proper navigation tools.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffWed 12 Aug, 4:00am

   Nurse died of hypothermia after wrong turn in Arthur’s Pass National Park (opens in new tab)

2. The PressWed 12 Aug, 4:00am

   Lost, injured and alone: Coroner reveals tramper’s final hours on a mountain in Arthur’s Pass (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldWed 12 Aug, 5:00am

   Coroner: Student nurse Rebecca Woolley died from hypothermia during hike in Arthur’s Pass National Park (opens in new tab)

4. 1News via RNZWed 12 Aug, 8:49am

   Arthur's Pass tramper died of hypothermia after losing marked track (opens in new tab)