Hi guys!

Have a look at that story!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wairarapa/8540717/Hunter-survives-tiger-country

Bushcraft last weekend provided some good advice how to prevent such epic walkouts:

Always remember the most extreme emergency procedure DSP: Drop your Pack, Spread Out and Panic!
  (Mountain Safety Manual, section 'Lost!': [...] 'stop, have something to eat and drink' [...] 'consider your position carefully and rationally')
Carry more than one compass and map in a group. The bushcraft people now know how to use them.
Have fresh or spare batteries for your torch and a spare meal.
Leave your (updated) intentions in a hut book, with people.

There are four PLBs (personal locator beacons) in the gear shed. Take them for club trips .

In the end/emergency: NZ is a great place for tramping, they (SAR) will try hard to find you!