David Graham: tramper on his narrow escape from freezing Tararua Ranges - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A lucky escape for a near-hypothermic Wellington tramper and his dog after the pair were rescued from freezing overnight conditions in the Tararua Ranges. 

David Graham and Winnie were winched to safety in an Air Force helicopter about 4.30am yesterday, where he was given the best hot chocolate of his life. 

Graham says he was well-prepared, but conditions deteriorated - and by 9pm, his sleeping bag froze. 

"When my dog started shaking, I realised that the temperature was dropping pretty quick, and so at that point I got in touch with emergency services."

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