Search paused for hiker swept down Canterbury river

Friday 4 September 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 4 Sep, 1:34pm

In this story NZ Police

Police have suspended the search for Gareth Anderson, who was swept downstream while hiking the Cass-Lagoon Saddle track near Craigieburn Forest Park. The search was paused due to adverse weather. Mr Anderson went missing after falling into a river while hiking with a friend on 27 August.

How they headlined it

12:50pm

1. The PressFri 4 Sep, 12:50pm

   Police pause search for tramper Gareth Anderson swept down Canterbury river (opens in new tab)

2. StuffFri 4 Sep, 1:16pm

   Weather forces pause in search for hiker swept down Canterbury river (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldFri 4 Sep, 1:27pm

   Craigieburn Forest Park search for missing man Gareth Anderson paused due to adverse weather (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsFri 4 Sep, 1:34pm

   Search paused for hiker swept down Canterbury river last week (opens in new tab)