Queenstown, New Zealand— A section of alpine track above Queenstown turned dangerous just before midday Friday when a rockfall broke loose and hit two foreign hikers walking in a group. The pair, both in their late twenties, suffered leg and shoulder injuries and had to be winched out by helicopter. The track was closed within the hour.
The group of four had started early from the Routeburn Road end. According to the Department of Conservation, recent freeze-thaw cycles loosened rock on the bluffs above. Witnesses said they heard a sharp crack before small boulders and scree rained down. The two injured hikers were about 10 meters behind the others when the slide hit.
"We heard the rock move and yelled to get back, but there was no time," one of the uninjured hikers said. Mountain rescue said one victim took a direct hit to the leg, the other was struck by debris while trying to pull his friend clear. Both were conscious and able to call for help using a personal locator beacon.
A Southern Lakes rescue helicopter reached the scene at 12:47 p.m. despite gusting winds. Paramedics stabilized the pair on the track. One was flown to Lakes District Hospital with a suspected fracture, the other treated at the scene for cuts and bruising. DOC rangers hiked in on foot to secure the area and guide the remaining two hikers down.
The track where the fall occurred is listed as moderate to difficult and sees heavy foot traffic in late October as the tourist season builds. DOC said it had inspected the route last week after heavy rain. No rockfall warning was in place at the time. Rangers have now placed physical barriers and warning signs at both ends of the affected kilometer.
"This is unstable alpine terrain, rock moves without warning," a DOC senior supervisor said. He said geotechnical staff will assess the slope today and that reopening depends on whether more loose material is hanging above. The department is also reviewing whether to install additional rockfall netting before summer.
Tourism operators in Queenstown said they have rerouted several guided groups. One operator said his clients are nervous. The injured hikers, understood to be German nationals on working holiday visas, were reportedly equipped with proper boots and gear but not helmets. That detail has sparked fresh discussion about safety advice for independent walkers.
Weather data shows a rapid temperature swing overnight, from minus two to plus nine degrees, a pattern known to crack alpine rock. More wind is forecast for the weekend. Until engineers give clearance, the track stays shut.
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