A typical rescue today is aided by GPS, personal location beacons, agile helicopters and LandSAR rescuers. This is in stark contrast to the 1960s, where rescuers usually came from tramping clubs, they provided their own gear, and could be out in the field for days, it was all very "number 8 wire".

Content warning: this series contains graphic descriptions of rescues and fatalities, as well as some strong language. If unsettling personal stories affect you, please take care while listening.

Thanks to the LandSAR volunteers who shared their stories.

Archive recordings supplied thanks to Ngā Tāonga Sound and Vision

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details