When a tramper became dizzy and began vomiting while walking Te Araroa Trail, help initially came from the other side of the world. By Tomáš Černák

Last year, I tramped a difficult section of Te Araroa Trail – the Richmond Range.

I spent New Year’s Eve at Rocks Hut with several others, and the following two days were fantastic: wonderful weather and perfect views. I felt strong and everything was alright.

But between Mt Rintoul Hut and Tarn Hut, about an hour before the day’s final destination, I started to feel dizzy. I assumed it was caused by dehydration. 

I reached the hut okay and after drinking a lot of water, the dizziness disappeared.

In the morning I was okay and set off, but between Mid Wairoa Hut and Top Wairoa Hut, I was dizzy again. This section has eight river crossings and during one crossing, I felt really bad. I knew I could not continue in this condition, but struggled on to Top Wairoa.

Shortly after arriving I began to vomit. Everything was spinning. I couldn’t keep my eyes open and I was very weak. Nobody at the hut knew what was going on. Exhaustion? Dehydration? I got electrolytes from other people, but my body refused them.

I slept for a couple of hours, but was still dizzy when I woke up and was barely able to move; movement caused dizziness. I couldn’t drink properly. I was afraid to eat anything. Celsie, a Dutch girl at the hut, had an inReach device and messaged a contact in the Netherlands with a description of my symptoms. The answer came back: ‘It’s probably an ear infection. If the symptoms don’t disappear by morning, call for help.’

In the morning I felt slightly better but still dizzy. I was unwilling to call for help, though Celsie argued it was better to make the call. The weather forecast for the coming days was bad.

It wasn’t until I needed to pee and I realised I couldn’t walk by myself. It was time to call for help. No one had a PLB, but fortunately there was cellphone coverage on the saddle above the hut.

An hour later we heard a helicopter. Two paramedics got me to the chopper and then to Nelson Hospital, where doctors determined I had vertigo caused by an ear infection which blew out my balance system.

I was in hospital for four days, and a trail angel then hosted me for another seven until I was walking confidently again.

Back on the trail, with a PLB this time, I felt insecure but determined to carry on. Two months later, I made it to Bluff.

I am grateful for the other walkers who helped me, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Crew, staff at Nelson Hospital and trail angel Michelle, for their care and assistance. I hope my case will be another example of the importance of carrying an emergency device while hiking.