Coroner Michael Robb said the trio finished work on May 3, a Friday, and had some alcoholic drinks. They then drove their work vehicle to Taupō with the van GPS showing it was parked in Taupō from 9.37pm until 4.09am. The group then went to McDonalds and left there at 4.18am with Fifita driving. The driver of the truck and trailer unit started work at 10pm on May 3 and was driving to Turangi via Tokoroa. At 4.45am on May 4 he was travelling on Hatepe Hill when he saw a van approaching at speed around a corner with its high beam headlights on.
The Shotover River is located in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. The name correctly suggests that this 75 kilometer-long river is fast flowing, with numerous rapids.
The Shotover River is located in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. The name correctly suggests that this 75 kilometer-long river is fast flowing, with numerous rapids. The river flows generally south from the Southern Alps on its journey running through the Skippers Canyon, before draining into the Kawarau River east of Queenstown.
A terrified Australian tourist who was on a bus that careered downhill and smashed into a pine tree, which prevented it plummeting 80m into the Shotover River, says she has escaped death a second time.