Head to the hills, scour the bush, and dive deep into the caves with a series that takes you behind the scenes of the rescues in New Zealand’s unforgiving outdoors. Go out with the volunteers who put themselves on the line to rescue complete strangers. Host Paul Roy looks at the evolution of rescues from the do-it-yourself operations of the 1960s to today's highly managed efforts. They all have one thing in common – something went wrong and someone needed help.

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.

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

Cascade Saddle in Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular alpine crossing, but the difficulty of the trek and the hazards are often underestimated by inexperienced trampers on this long and demanding route. For two overseas tourists, an overnight adventure to the park goes horribly wrong.

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.

See photos and read more about this episode on the RNZ website

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

In the winter of 1966, four climbers went to climb the Otira Face of Mount Rolleston in Arthurs Pass National Park and never returned. The search and rescue operation was one of the last large scale call outs, all on foot that saw up to a hundred volunteers navigating harsh conditions to find them.

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.

Archival recordings thanks to Ngā Tāonga Sound and Vision

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