Anne, her husband Murray and friends were walking the Waitakere Ranges’ Hillary Trail when Anne’s foot slipped off the track. She tumbled, landed awkwardly, and was unable to move.

Due to the slippery conditions and the steep terrain, Auckland’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called in and winched Anne to safety.

“I love adrenalin stuff so I tried to make the most of the winch experience – unfortunately the morphine probably took away some of the thrill!” jokes Anne.

“The rescue helicopter team was so marvellous, extremely professional and handled the situation with such confidence – they’re absolute champions.”

Anne underwent various operations, had many weeks of bed rest and extensive physio. But it seems the accident will only limit this adrenalin junkie’s taste for the outdoors: “I still have a lot of things on ‘my list – but for now we’re looking for something a little less adventurous!”