Search continues for hiker swept down river near Craigieburn Forest Park

Friday 28 August 2026 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 28 Aug, 1:00pm

Police and Coastguard are searching for a man who was swept downstream while attempting a river crossing on the Cass-Lagoon Saddle track. The man's friend managed to reach State Highway 73 to raise the alarm. Search teams are currently facing hazardous alpine conditions, including snow and flooded rivers.

How they headlined it

12:24pm

1. StuffFri 28 Aug, 12:24pm

   Search for hiker swept down river continues in hazardous alpine conditions (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsFri 28 Aug, 12:43pm

   Search underway for hiker swept down Canterbury alpine river (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldFri 28 Aug, 12:46pm

   Craigieburn Forest Park search: Man swept away while crossing river in Canterbury (opens in new tab)

4. The PressFri 28 Aug, 1:00pm

   Search for tramper swept down river in ‘hazardous’ conditions (opens in new tab)

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