1 00:00:13,040 --> 00:00:14,900 I'm bear grylls. Whoo! 2 00:00:14,910 --> 00:00:17,240 I'm gonna show you what it takes to get out alive 3 00:00:17,240 --> 00:00:20,610 From some of the most dangerous places on earth. 4 00:00:20,780 --> 00:00:23,880 I've got to make it through a week of challenges... 5 00:00:23,880 --> 00:00:27,320 In the sort of places you wouldn't last a day 6 00:00:27,320 --> 00:00:30,020 Without the right survival skills. 7 00:00:30,890 --> 00:00:33,520 Now I'm on new zealand's south island, 8 00:00:33,520 --> 00:00:35,120 Where I'll take on everything 9 00:00:35,130 --> 00:00:39,330 The country's highest mountain range has to throw at me... 10 00:00:39,330 --> 00:00:42,770 We're still bang in that danger zone. 11 00:00:42,770 --> 00:00:46,370 ...Engineer a way across an impassible canyon... 12 00:00:46,370 --> 00:00:47,900 Here she goes! 13 00:00:49,510 --> 00:00:51,440 ...And push myself to the limit... 14 00:00:51,440 --> 00:00:54,280 Starting to get quite cold in this river now. 15 00:00:54,280 --> 00:00:56,680 ...To show you how to survive... 16 00:00:56,680 --> 00:00:58,550 More like snot. 17 00:00:58,550 --> 00:01:01,850 ...In one of the most beautiful and toughest environments 18 00:01:01,850 --> 00:01:03,690 On the planet. 19 00:01:03,690 --> 00:01:05,450 Oh, jeepers! 20 00:01:20,370 --> 00:01:23,810 [ radio chatter ] 21 00:01:24,670 --> 00:01:26,840 We're on the south island of new zealand 22 00:01:26,840 --> 00:01:28,910 On a training mission with the air force. 23 00:01:28,910 --> 00:01:32,520 We're heading for the country's largest mountain range -- 24 00:01:32,520 --> 00:01:33,550 The southern alps. 25 00:01:33,550 --> 00:01:36,920 It's a place I've wanted to go to for a long time. 26 00:01:36,920 --> 00:01:41,560 And there's no better way to get there than on this plane -- 27 00:01:41,560 --> 00:01:42,830 The hercules c-130, 28 00:01:42,830 --> 00:01:47,260 One of the most successful transport aircraft of all time. 29 00:01:47,270 --> 00:01:50,570 It's designed for tactical operations 30 00:01:50,570 --> 00:01:53,040 And used to take troops and equipment 31 00:01:53,040 --> 00:01:54,440 Into difficult terrain. 32 00:01:54,440 --> 00:01:55,240 We're heading for an area 33 00:01:55,240 --> 00:01:59,410 That's about as wild and remote as you're ever gonna get, 34 00:01:59,410 --> 00:02:01,780 And access here is very hard. 35 00:02:01,780 --> 00:02:05,610 But for the time being, I'm in the hands of the best. 36 00:02:05,620 --> 00:02:07,850 I'm with 20 squadron. 37 00:02:07,850 --> 00:02:09,350 These guys fly missions 38 00:02:09,350 --> 00:02:12,320 To inhospitable places all over the world. 39 00:02:12,320 --> 00:02:15,890 Just spectacular, isn't it? 40 00:02:15,890 --> 00:02:19,830 Unbelievable landscape. 41 00:02:20,400 --> 00:02:22,530 The south island is the size of michigan 42 00:02:22,530 --> 00:02:25,400 With just a fraction of the population. 43 00:02:26,500 --> 00:02:29,640 The terrain changes from glacial mountains 44 00:02:29,640 --> 00:02:31,240 To forest 45 00:02:31,240 --> 00:02:32,640 To coastal swamp 46 00:02:32,640 --> 00:02:34,340 In just a couple of hundred miles. 47 00:02:34,350 --> 00:02:37,050 It's unpredictable and treacherous -- 48 00:02:37,050 --> 00:02:41,350 The perfect place for a low-level tactical insertion. 49 00:02:41,350 --> 00:02:46,490 Special forces use these planes to insert troops at low level. 50 00:02:46,490 --> 00:02:48,360 I've done it before. 51 00:02:48,360 --> 00:02:52,290 At low level, you reduce your margin for error. 52 00:02:52,300 --> 00:02:53,630 Go! 53 00:02:53,630 --> 00:02:58,800 The best way out of here is the same way I got in -- 54 00:02:58,800 --> 00:03:00,840 Through the tailgate. 55 00:03:00,840 --> 00:03:03,840 [ indistinct conversations ] 56 00:03:05,580 --> 00:03:07,240 [ beeps ] 57 00:03:07,250 --> 00:03:09,450 Let's go! 58 00:03:12,150 --> 00:03:16,490 My landing zone is directly below me. 59 00:03:18,590 --> 00:03:22,530 At 2,000 feet, I pop my chute. 60 00:03:23,860 --> 00:03:27,300 I've got a limited window before I touch down, 61 00:03:27,300 --> 00:03:30,200 But enough time to assess the terrain and get my bearings. 62 00:03:30,200 --> 00:03:35,170 That will help with navigation once I'm on the ground. 63 00:03:39,780 --> 00:03:45,550 I'm down in one piece. Now the real challenge begins. 64 00:03:46,850 --> 00:03:53,590 Wow, not a lot of time between exiting that plane and landing. 65 00:03:53,590 --> 00:03:56,690 One of the dangers of low-level jumps -- 66 00:03:56,690 --> 00:04:01,100 If you have a malfunction, you just got no time to sort it out. 67 00:04:01,100 --> 00:04:04,100 But they were pinpoint accurate with the landing. 68 00:04:04,100 --> 00:04:06,770 It's about the only clear area around here. 69 00:04:06,770 --> 00:04:10,210 We stayed out of the trees. This is good. 70 00:04:10,210 --> 00:04:13,410 Okay, let's cut up a bit of this canopy. 71 00:04:13,410 --> 00:04:16,280 There's loads on a parachute I can use. 72 00:04:16,280 --> 00:04:19,110 Looking at the terrain, it won't be easy going. 73 00:04:19,120 --> 00:04:21,880 I'll need all the help I can get. 74 00:04:21,890 --> 00:04:26,390 And the silk in the canopy is windproof. 75 00:04:26,390 --> 00:04:27,960 It's always good in the mountains. 76 00:04:27,960 --> 00:04:31,260 Could use that, actually, as a sleeping bag. 77 00:04:31,260 --> 00:04:35,330 Just get all this stuff stowed away. 78 00:04:35,330 --> 00:04:37,870 See the direction we want to head in. 79 00:04:37,870 --> 00:04:39,770 Straight up to the mountains. 80 00:04:39,770 --> 00:04:44,810 The closest route to reach the coast is gonna be west, 81 00:04:44,810 --> 00:04:48,310 And that means we have to cross those mountains. 82 00:04:48,310 --> 00:04:52,280 With 75% of the population living near the coast, 83 00:04:52,280 --> 00:04:54,450 That's your best bet. 84 00:04:55,120 --> 00:04:58,050 Just because you've got to cross the mountains 85 00:04:58,060 --> 00:04:59,020 Doesn't necessarily mean 86 00:04:59,020 --> 00:05:01,160 You want to go vertically straight up. 87 00:05:01,160 --> 00:05:03,360 Now, that's probably the most direct route, 88 00:05:03,360 --> 00:05:07,800 But it's probably gonna be quicker going this way. 89 00:05:07,800 --> 00:05:09,230 No route will be easy, 90 00:05:09,230 --> 00:05:12,200 But making good decisions from the outset 91 00:05:12,200 --> 00:05:16,370 Will give you the best chance of survival. 92 00:05:16,370 --> 00:05:17,770 I'm pushing into the tree line 93 00:05:17,780 --> 00:05:19,910 To skirt the corners of the path. 94 00:05:19,910 --> 00:05:22,540 It'll save time and energy. 95 00:05:22,550 --> 00:05:27,020 Under this dense foliage, the undergrowth is sparse, 96 00:05:27,020 --> 00:05:28,750 And I'm making good headway. 97 00:05:28,750 --> 00:05:31,850 But almost immediately, I'm stopped in my tracks. 98 00:05:31,860 --> 00:05:35,020 This is why you never get complacent in the mountains. 99 00:05:35,030 --> 00:05:38,030 There's always another obstacle, 100 00:05:38,030 --> 00:05:40,400 And often when you least expect it. 101 00:05:40,400 --> 00:05:43,530 Just got to get down to this, try and get up and across. 102 00:05:43,530 --> 00:05:48,040 Ravines like this are a feature of this glaciated terrain. 103 00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:49,140 To continue towards the coast, 104 00:05:49,140 --> 00:05:53,010 You have to make it over to the opposite bank. 105 00:05:54,240 --> 00:05:58,550 We need to go further down to find a way up this. 106 00:05:58,550 --> 00:06:00,780 For now, the water levels are low, 107 00:06:00,790 --> 00:06:04,590 But in a region that sees 60 foot of rainfall in a year, 108 00:06:04,590 --> 00:06:07,990 Flash floods are a real threat. 109 00:06:07,990 --> 00:06:10,260 I'm not gonna get up that, you know? 110 00:06:10,260 --> 00:06:15,160 Try and work a way down this. Got to find another way across. 111 00:06:15,170 --> 00:06:19,600 The wet, moss-covered rocks offer little grip. 112 00:06:19,600 --> 00:06:21,740 See, this is getting quite slippy. 113 00:06:21,740 --> 00:06:27,010 I'll try and come back up -- try and go down that way, okay? 114 00:06:37,150 --> 00:06:38,290 It's a close call. 115 00:06:38,290 --> 00:06:41,620 Not quite the way I wanted to get down, 116 00:06:41,630 --> 00:06:43,430 But it's quite deep here! 117 00:06:43,430 --> 00:06:46,700 Just slide down the way I came! 118 00:06:50,200 --> 00:06:52,600 A fall like that could be serious. 119 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:55,140 You've just got to learn from your mistakes 120 00:06:55,140 --> 00:06:58,740 And make sure it doesn't happen again. 121 00:06:58,740 --> 00:06:59,510 It's incredible. 122 00:06:59,510 --> 00:07:02,880 There's a whole tunnel under the rock here. 123 00:07:05,750 --> 00:07:08,350 And this has got to be all formed 124 00:07:08,350 --> 00:07:11,250 Just by the power of the water. 125 00:07:14,390 --> 00:07:19,360 They say it's always raining somewhere in new zealand, 126 00:07:19,360 --> 00:07:24,200 And that's what makes this classic flash-flood danger. 127 00:07:24,200 --> 00:07:27,270 It's raining higher up, and as far as you know, 128 00:07:27,270 --> 00:07:31,970 This whole place could just get rammed by all that water. 129 00:07:31,980 --> 00:07:36,250 Want to move through this pretty sharply. 130 00:07:36,850 --> 00:07:38,750 Don't head into something like this 131 00:07:38,750 --> 00:07:40,780 Without checking for obstructions. 132 00:07:40,790 --> 00:07:42,750 If it's clear, move fast. 133 00:07:42,750 --> 00:07:47,490 Water levels can change in no time, with devastating impact. 134 00:07:47,490 --> 00:07:54,000 And not far from here, a flash flood cost a woman her life. 135 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:55,930 Dragged downstream, it was a year 136 00:07:55,930 --> 00:07:59,500 Before rescue teams discovered her pelvis and femur 137 00:07:59,500 --> 00:08:02,440 Trapped between boulders. 138 00:08:03,840 --> 00:08:05,340 As if that's not reason enough 139 00:08:05,340 --> 00:08:07,340 To find a way out of here quickly, 140 00:08:07,340 --> 00:08:10,880 The water level is only about 55 degrees. 141 00:08:10,880 --> 00:08:14,920 So be on the lookout for any potential escape route. 142 00:08:14,920 --> 00:08:18,120 Try and get up this way. 143 00:08:18,890 --> 00:08:21,120 This isn't looking promising. 144 00:08:21,130 --> 00:08:25,030 These sheer walls are too dangerous to climb. 145 00:08:25,030 --> 00:08:28,430 Well, that's not gonna happen. Let's try further down. 146 00:08:28,430 --> 00:08:31,770 It might be my mind playing tricks on me, 147 00:08:31,770 --> 00:08:34,370 But it seems like water levels are rising. 148 00:08:34,370 --> 00:08:38,140 I don't want to hang around in here. 149 00:08:38,140 --> 00:08:39,240 I need to keep moving. 150 00:08:39,240 --> 00:08:45,350 But this is neither the time or the place to rush things. 151 00:08:47,380 --> 00:08:51,550 That is another big drop-off down here. 152 00:08:51,560 --> 00:08:55,160 That's way too high to jump. 153 00:08:56,390 --> 00:09:00,100 If I can get lower, a jump might be possible. 154 00:09:00,100 --> 00:09:04,200 But I know from experience how slippery these rocks are. 155 00:09:04,200 --> 00:09:05,900 I've got to be careful. 156 00:09:05,900 --> 00:09:09,000 We're running out of options here. 157 00:09:09,010 --> 00:09:11,640 It's about as low as I can get. 158 00:09:11,640 --> 00:09:14,540 There's no alternative. I'm gonna jump from here. 159 00:09:14,550 --> 00:09:17,710 You know, if you hit a rock and break your legs, 160 00:09:17,720 --> 00:09:20,380 You can drown so easily. 161 00:09:20,380 --> 00:09:23,490 But this water is crystal clear. 162 00:09:23,490 --> 00:09:29,090 And also, the actual whitewater itself is very contained. 163 00:09:29,090 --> 00:09:31,190 It's like a funnel running straight down, 164 00:09:31,200 --> 00:09:33,260 Which means it's probably running deep. 165 00:09:33,260 --> 00:09:35,160 If you have level rocks under there, 166 00:09:35,170 --> 00:09:37,870 You get a big splay of whitewater. 167 00:09:37,870 --> 00:09:40,140 Yeah, I'm confident to jump this. 168 00:09:40,140 --> 00:09:45,410 However sure you are, a leap this high is never easy. 169 00:09:46,080 --> 00:09:47,780 Oh, jeepers! 170 00:09:47,780 --> 00:09:50,650 It needs to be perfect. 171 00:09:52,020 --> 00:09:53,050 And in my next challenge, 172 00:09:53,050 --> 00:09:57,950 Crossing this ravine will call on all my ingenuity. 173 00:09:57,960 --> 00:09:59,490 Here she goes! 174 00:10:07,860 --> 00:10:10,700 I'm in new zealand's south island, 175 00:10:10,700 --> 00:10:13,870 In the middle of a complex series of waterfalls. 176 00:10:13,870 --> 00:10:15,600 I've reached a point of no return, 177 00:10:15,610 --> 00:10:17,540 And I've got to make a tough call. 178 00:10:17,540 --> 00:10:20,080 Yeah, I'm confident to jump this. 179 00:10:20,080 --> 00:10:21,210 It needs to be perfect. 180 00:10:21,210 --> 00:10:25,810 If you hit the aerated center, you'll sink like a stone. 181 00:10:25,820 --> 00:10:28,180 Oh, jeepers! 182 00:10:36,460 --> 00:10:37,760 Easy deep enough. 183 00:10:37,760 --> 00:10:41,360 Didn't even come close to hitting the bottom there. 184 00:10:41,370 --> 00:10:42,900 Let's keep moving down. 185 00:10:42,900 --> 00:10:47,400 There's no time to waste, and only one way to go. 186 00:10:47,400 --> 00:10:48,940 Steady here. 187 00:10:48,940 --> 00:10:53,480 Now, this is a whole nother ball game. 188 00:10:53,480 --> 00:10:55,980 A full 80 foot down into shallow water. 189 00:10:55,980 --> 00:10:59,380 Sometimes you got to know your limits. 190 00:10:59,380 --> 00:11:00,880 If you get injured in the wild, 191 00:11:00,880 --> 00:11:02,820 It can have massive consequences. 192 00:11:02,820 --> 00:11:04,720 My dad always used to say to me, 193 00:11:04,720 --> 00:11:06,890 "if there's doubt, then there's no doubt." 194 00:11:06,890 --> 00:11:10,190 Just back up, find another way back or across. 195 00:11:10,190 --> 00:11:14,830 I've pushed my luck in here. I'm gonna take my dad's advice. 196 00:11:14,830 --> 00:11:17,130 I'll head back upstream on dry land 197 00:11:17,130 --> 00:11:19,430 And try to find another way across. 198 00:11:19,440 --> 00:11:23,210 Gonna check these two trees out. 199 00:11:23,210 --> 00:11:26,140 See those long, thin ones? 200 00:11:26,140 --> 00:11:28,110 That might well work. Come on. 201 00:11:28,110 --> 00:11:30,380 Mountain beech have shallow roots, 202 00:11:30,380 --> 00:11:33,280 Perfect for what I plan to do with them. 203 00:11:33,280 --> 00:11:38,520 That's where we want to get to -- just across this stream. 204 00:11:38,520 --> 00:11:40,190 What's difficult, though, 205 00:11:40,190 --> 00:11:43,090 Is this first 20 or 30 foot of this 206 00:11:43,090 --> 00:11:46,160 Is just too steep to climb up. 207 00:11:46,160 --> 00:11:51,170 But now, these are long enough and thin enough. 208 00:11:51,170 --> 00:11:53,140 If I can get them to topple over, 209 00:11:53,140 --> 00:11:56,770 They'll take me higher up that bank. 210 00:11:56,770 --> 00:11:58,810 See, the whole root system, 211 00:11:58,810 --> 00:12:01,040 With a bit of encouragement, would actually go. 212 00:12:01,050 --> 00:12:03,680 Now, I might be able to just build some -- 213 00:12:03,680 --> 00:12:06,750 Build some rungs between this. 214 00:12:09,790 --> 00:12:14,090 Now, this is all the stuff that I love about survival -- 215 00:12:14,090 --> 00:12:19,830 Thinking up ingenious ways to solve problems. 216 00:12:19,830 --> 00:12:22,930 Best way of securing this -- timber hitch. 217 00:12:22,930 --> 00:12:24,930 Make a loop... 218 00:12:24,940 --> 00:12:27,140 A few turns... 219 00:12:27,140 --> 00:12:29,540 ...Then put that 'round the rung and the trunk 220 00:12:29,540 --> 00:12:32,370 And feed it back through itself. 221 00:12:32,380 --> 00:12:35,510 And then just take a few wraps around the tree, 222 00:12:35,510 --> 00:12:37,950 And that will bite down on itself. 223 00:12:37,950 --> 00:12:39,380 And then just tuck it in there. 224 00:12:39,380 --> 00:12:43,650 Okay, this is gonna help it go in the right direction, as well. 225 00:12:43,650 --> 00:12:46,190 The trees are leaning towards the bank. 226 00:12:46,190 --> 00:12:48,020 They could fall the wrong way. 227 00:12:48,030 --> 00:12:52,330 But this wedge should stop that happening. 228 00:12:53,430 --> 00:12:56,330 The plan seems to be coming together. 229 00:12:56,330 --> 00:12:58,530 But I'm all too aware that two small trees 230 00:12:58,540 --> 00:13:01,940 Are all that stand between me and a 50-foot drop. 231 00:13:01,940 --> 00:13:07,080 This is what indigenous jungle fighters would often do. 232 00:13:07,080 --> 00:13:08,980 They'd make rungs between the trees 233 00:13:08,980 --> 00:13:13,750 To get them up into the canopy to make lookout stations. 234 00:13:13,750 --> 00:13:15,780 In theory, my body weight 235 00:13:15,790 --> 00:13:18,050 Should be enough to uproot these trees. 236 00:13:18,060 --> 00:13:19,920 They'll fall over the ravine 237 00:13:19,920 --> 00:13:22,660 And high enough up the opposite bank 238 00:13:22,660 --> 00:13:24,660 To get me out the other side. 239 00:13:24,660 --> 00:13:28,030 Okay, moment of truth on this -- 240 00:13:28,030 --> 00:13:30,170 Whether this thing actually works. 241 00:13:30,170 --> 00:13:34,970 In practice, it's not as simple as it seemed on the ground. 242 00:13:34,970 --> 00:13:40,340 Come on, you brute. Over you go. 243 00:13:41,280 --> 00:13:43,750 Here she goes! 244 00:13:48,520 --> 00:13:50,990 What do you know? 245 00:13:50,990 --> 00:13:53,420 It worked! 246 00:13:56,260 --> 00:13:59,660 There's a big part of me that when I was on the top 247 00:13:59,660 --> 00:14:03,470 Was thinking, "what the hell am I doing?" 248 00:14:03,470 --> 00:14:04,630 But that worked perfectly. 249 00:14:04,640 --> 00:14:09,240 If it hadn't, it would have been a long way to fall. 250 00:14:09,240 --> 00:14:13,740 That's such a good feeling. Okay, go on. 251 00:14:14,880 --> 00:14:16,550 The ravine is behind me, 252 00:14:16,550 --> 00:14:20,020 But I know other obstacles await up ahead. 253 00:14:22,390 --> 00:14:24,590 This undulating terrain 254 00:14:24,590 --> 00:14:27,220 Has been shaped by huge tectonic forces, 255 00:14:27,220 --> 00:14:31,030 Leaving rivers crisscrossing the mountains. 256 00:14:31,990 --> 00:14:37,030 Really, you need to be so careful in rivers like this. 257 00:14:37,030 --> 00:14:40,340 A deceptively fast flow. 258 00:14:40,340 --> 00:14:41,600 So many of the first settlers, 259 00:14:41,610 --> 00:14:44,970 When they first came to new zealand, drowned in rivers 260 00:14:44,980 --> 00:14:47,480 Just underestimating the power of them. 261 00:14:47,480 --> 00:14:49,810 It became known as the new zealand death. 262 00:14:49,810 --> 00:14:52,450 You've got to be careful with these rivers. 263 00:14:52,450 --> 00:14:54,880 Let's find a better way across. 264 00:14:55,350 --> 00:14:59,050 More than 30 feet of rain falls here annually, 265 00:14:59,060 --> 00:15:00,760 And currents are unpredictable, 266 00:15:00,760 --> 00:15:05,030 So you need to chose your crossing point carefully. 267 00:15:05,030 --> 00:15:06,600 It's all willow. 268 00:15:06,600 --> 00:15:09,530 They don't like having their roots submerged 269 00:15:09,530 --> 00:15:10,870 In water like this. 270 00:15:10,870 --> 00:15:13,840 Probably means this river's in full flood now. 271 00:15:13,840 --> 00:15:15,640 Yeah, this would normally be dry. 272 00:15:15,640 --> 00:15:18,840 The soil on this riverbank is nutrient-rich. 273 00:15:18,840 --> 00:15:21,710 Lots of useful plants flourish here. 274 00:15:21,710 --> 00:15:25,450 There's a serious amount of rose hip around here. 275 00:15:25,450 --> 00:15:27,980 All of these. Look. 276 00:15:27,990 --> 00:15:28,720 Rose hip contains 277 00:15:28,720 --> 00:15:31,250 Over eight times more vitamin c than an orange. 278 00:15:31,260 --> 00:15:34,760 And they actually used to make this into a syrup 279 00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:39,130 And give it to soldiers in the trenches in the world war 280 00:15:39,130 --> 00:15:41,930 As a way to stop them from getting scurvy. 281 00:15:41,930 --> 00:15:43,730 You can't just eat these like this. 282 00:15:43,730 --> 00:15:47,700 If you look inside, they've actually got these little pits. 283 00:15:47,700 --> 00:15:50,240 Got loads of little hairs on them. 284 00:15:50,240 --> 00:15:54,110 You eat that, it's really gonna irritate your throat. 285 00:15:54,110 --> 00:15:54,680 Okay. 286 00:15:54,680 --> 00:15:57,310 The seeds can irritate the stomach, too. 287 00:15:57,310 --> 00:16:00,050 Preparation is the key. 288 00:16:00,050 --> 00:16:03,150 There's a line across the river. 289 00:16:03,150 --> 00:16:04,590 You can see that. Look. 290 00:16:04,590 --> 00:16:06,790 There's a metal cradle on it, as well. 291 00:16:06,790 --> 00:16:07,690 Let's go and check it out. 292 00:16:07,690 --> 00:16:11,190 These cableways have been used for over 200 years, 293 00:16:11,190 --> 00:16:15,830 But this one hasn't been crossed over in a long time. 294 00:16:15,830 --> 00:16:17,630 Pretty solid. 295 00:16:17,630 --> 00:16:20,300 This is what a lot of miners and early settlers 296 00:16:20,300 --> 00:16:22,200 Would have used to cross these rivers 297 00:16:22,210 --> 00:16:25,110 Without having to brave these sort of currents. 298 00:16:25,110 --> 00:16:27,340 This is gonna take my weight. 299 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:30,410 Get those rings. That would help. 300 00:16:30,410 --> 00:16:31,680 Okay, hold on. Stay there. 301 00:16:31,680 --> 00:16:37,490 Even with my gloves on, the wire's cutting into my hands. 302 00:16:37,490 --> 00:16:38,850 But with the rings, 303 00:16:38,860 --> 00:16:42,860 I'll rig something up to take the strain. 304 00:16:43,030 --> 00:16:46,490 Okay, we're gonna use these. These are rigging lines. 305 00:16:46,500 --> 00:16:48,400 We'll make some stirrups off them. 306 00:16:48,400 --> 00:16:51,500 The bridles from my parachute harness 307 00:16:51,500 --> 00:16:54,440 Are perfect for the job. 308 00:16:54,440 --> 00:16:56,740 Now with my feet taking the strain, 309 00:16:56,740 --> 00:16:59,340 This crossing is much more achievable. 310 00:16:59,340 --> 00:17:03,310 And there's an old scottish custom 311 00:17:03,310 --> 00:17:05,310 That says before you cross a bridge, 312 00:17:05,320 --> 00:17:06,850 You should always say a prayer -- 313 00:17:06,850 --> 00:17:09,420 A prayer to thank the person who built the bridge, 314 00:17:09,420 --> 00:17:13,360 And a prayer for the person who's about to cross it. 315 00:17:13,360 --> 00:17:16,560 That feels appropriate right now. 316 00:17:16,560 --> 00:17:17,790 Okay. 317 00:17:17,790 --> 00:17:19,960 Good to go. 318 00:17:22,770 --> 00:17:25,430 Right. Here we go. 319 00:17:26,800 --> 00:17:29,570 By shifting my weight from foot to foot, 320 00:17:29,570 --> 00:17:32,510 I can move my way along the wire. 321 00:17:35,810 --> 00:17:41,720 It is a bit precarious, but it's working. 322 00:17:41,720 --> 00:17:44,950 The further I get out, the more tired I get 323 00:17:44,960 --> 00:17:48,190 And the less chance I have of escaping the river 324 00:17:48,190 --> 00:17:48,920 If I do fall in. 325 00:17:48,930 --> 00:17:54,660 It really is the ultimate nutcracker there. 326 00:17:54,830 --> 00:17:58,170 At least it'll take some of the weight off my hands. 327 00:17:58,170 --> 00:18:00,840 I can rest. 328 00:18:00,840 --> 00:18:02,240 I've reached the basket. 329 00:18:02,240 --> 00:18:07,080 Now to see if I can use it to get the rest of the way across. 330 00:18:07,080 --> 00:18:09,010 Mad place. 331 00:18:10,480 --> 00:18:14,350 Okay, now to get this basket across. 332 00:18:14,980 --> 00:18:16,620 [ groans ] this isn't gonna budge. 333 00:18:16,620 --> 00:18:19,650 This crossing has been much harder than I imagined, 334 00:18:19,660 --> 00:18:24,360 But it's about to get a lot harder. 335 00:18:24,360 --> 00:18:25,360 [ panting ] 336 00:18:25,360 --> 00:18:28,730 Hold on. This is very uncomfortable. 337 00:18:37,740 --> 00:18:39,140 I'm in new zealand, 338 00:18:39,140 --> 00:18:42,680 Stranded halfway across a river in full flood. 339 00:18:42,680 --> 00:18:44,050 I'm stuck high and dry. 340 00:18:44,050 --> 00:18:47,280 Okay, now to get this basket across. 341 00:18:47,280 --> 00:18:49,050 [ groans ] this isn't gonna budge. 342 00:18:49,050 --> 00:18:52,720 I can't move the rings that I've used for my sling 343 00:18:52,720 --> 00:18:53,420 Past the basket. 344 00:18:53,420 --> 00:18:58,960 Might just have to hang and shimmy the last little bit. 345 00:19:02,630 --> 00:19:04,130 This swirling eddy is probably 346 00:19:04,130 --> 00:19:06,730 The worst part of the river to be hanging over, 347 00:19:06,740 --> 00:19:09,770 But I've got to go for it. 348 00:19:09,770 --> 00:19:11,170 [ panting ] 349 00:19:11,170 --> 00:19:14,210 Hold on. This is very uncomfortable. 350 00:19:16,380 --> 00:19:18,610 Have a rest. 351 00:19:20,850 --> 00:19:23,120 Very hard to grip. 352 00:19:25,120 --> 00:19:27,820 Going the last few feet. 353 00:19:31,630 --> 00:19:34,930 Arms running out of puff on that. 354 00:19:34,930 --> 00:19:37,470 A little forearm burn. 355 00:19:37,470 --> 00:19:39,430 Good job there. 356 00:19:42,370 --> 00:19:45,210 This mountain range is called the southern alps. 357 00:19:45,210 --> 00:19:48,310 They only emerged in the last 5 million years, 358 00:19:48,310 --> 00:19:49,780 Which makes them very young. 359 00:19:49,780 --> 00:19:52,750 But they rise to more than 12,000 feet. 360 00:19:52,750 --> 00:19:57,650 They're a natural barrier between me and the west coast. 361 00:19:57,650 --> 00:20:00,260 You can see the clouds and the wind 362 00:20:00,260 --> 00:20:03,660 Licking across the pinnacles there. 363 00:20:05,390 --> 00:20:09,100 We're on a latitude of about 45 degrees here. 364 00:20:09,100 --> 00:20:11,530 Bang smack in the middle of the roaring 40s, 365 00:20:11,540 --> 00:20:15,770 And they're notorious for their strong winds, strong westerlies. 366 00:20:15,770 --> 00:20:18,170 And these mountains take the full force of that. 367 00:20:18,170 --> 00:20:21,280 Cold fronts and cyclones can quickly blow in, 368 00:20:21,280 --> 00:20:24,580 And the temperature can plunge 60 degrees 369 00:20:24,580 --> 00:20:25,510 In a matter of minutes. 370 00:20:25,520 --> 00:20:29,820 Getting over the ridgeline and off the mountain quickly 371 00:20:29,820 --> 00:20:31,420 Is paramount. 372 00:20:31,420 --> 00:20:33,050 Let's get up to the ridge. 373 00:20:33,060 --> 00:20:35,920 The southern alps are still growing 374 00:20:35,930 --> 00:20:38,730 About a third of an inch every year. 375 00:20:38,730 --> 00:20:40,230 The harsh weather from the west 376 00:20:40,230 --> 00:20:42,960 Is wearing them down at the same rate, 377 00:20:42,970 --> 00:20:46,270 And that makes them especially challenging. 378 00:20:46,270 --> 00:20:49,440 Oh, it's never easy, is it? 379 00:20:49,440 --> 00:20:51,510 Now, this is classic sort of terrain, 380 00:20:51,510 --> 00:20:53,440 Where it starts off quite manageable, 381 00:20:53,440 --> 00:20:56,380 But very easily, you can get yourself into terrain 382 00:20:56,380 --> 00:20:58,280 Where you can't go up or down. 383 00:20:58,280 --> 00:20:59,680 It's called getting rimrocked, 384 00:20:59,680 --> 00:21:03,050 And that's happened to me before climbing in new zealand. 385 00:21:03,050 --> 00:21:06,320 It's probably worth trying to improvise some sort of rope 386 00:21:06,320 --> 00:21:08,490 While we're in good position up here. 387 00:21:08,490 --> 00:21:11,030 Try to do something with that parachute. 388 00:21:11,030 --> 00:21:14,430 Let's get out of this wind. Come on. 389 00:21:14,430 --> 00:21:17,100 Oh, that's better down here. 390 00:21:17,100 --> 00:21:20,700 You get these crazy things called weather bombs, 391 00:21:20,700 --> 00:21:23,270 And it's basically when all that cold air 392 00:21:23,270 --> 00:21:24,070 Comes up from antarctica. 393 00:21:24,070 --> 00:21:27,010 You know, there's nothing between here and antarctica. 394 00:21:27,010 --> 00:21:29,510 The air comes up and meets the warm westerlies 395 00:21:29,510 --> 00:21:31,980 And just creates these wild cycles of wind. 396 00:21:31,980 --> 00:21:35,620 That's why I need to minimize the time I spend here. 397 00:21:35,620 --> 00:21:38,420 I kind of envisioned using this parachute 398 00:21:38,420 --> 00:21:41,460 As, like, a windproof or something, 399 00:21:41,460 --> 00:21:45,660 But actually, it could be more use here as a rope. 400 00:21:45,660 --> 00:21:50,370 That's the mountains for you. You've got to be flexible. 401 00:21:50,370 --> 00:21:53,270 It's a case of "adapt to survive." 402 00:21:53,270 --> 00:21:56,840 Take a good, long strand of it like this, 403 00:21:56,840 --> 00:21:59,240 Put a loop in the end. 404 00:21:59,240 --> 00:22:01,410 And then just twist it. 405 00:22:01,410 --> 00:22:02,780 It's simple mechanics. 406 00:22:02,780 --> 00:22:06,580 Plating the nylon will make the rope stronger. 407 00:22:06,580 --> 00:22:10,320 Take an arm length of it, bring it together. 408 00:22:10,320 --> 00:22:12,250 You'll see what happens to it. 409 00:22:12,260 --> 00:22:17,030 It starts to twist on itself, and that's gonna be the end. 410 00:22:17,030 --> 00:22:18,960 And it's worked on multiple strands, 411 00:22:18,960 --> 00:22:21,960 And the more strands like this you have, 412 00:22:21,970 --> 00:22:24,630 The stronger it's gonna be. 413 00:22:24,630 --> 00:22:26,670 That's getting pretty good there. 414 00:22:26,670 --> 00:22:30,070 Get this stowed, and get moving. 415 00:22:30,070 --> 00:22:31,940 I'm looking for a route down, 416 00:22:31,940 --> 00:22:35,780 But there's no simple way off this ridgeline. 417 00:22:36,310 --> 00:22:40,210 Looking pretty ugly down this way. 418 00:22:40,220 --> 00:22:41,520 That's just sheer. 419 00:22:41,520 --> 00:22:43,950 There's no point in launching off 420 00:22:43,950 --> 00:22:46,450 Unless I know I can reach the ground. 421 00:22:46,460 --> 00:22:48,960 This is looking a little better. 422 00:22:48,960 --> 00:22:50,160 Still pretty sheer, 423 00:22:50,160 --> 00:22:53,330 But I reckon my rope will reach the bottom of this. 424 00:22:53,330 --> 00:22:55,360 Need to find a decent anchor. 425 00:22:55,370 --> 00:23:00,330 The thing is, all of this stuff. Look. It's all so crumbly. 426 00:23:00,340 --> 00:23:05,540 Just want to make sure whatever we tie off to is bombproof. 427 00:23:05,540 --> 00:23:11,210 This lead, flaky rock is recrystallized mudstone. 428 00:23:11,210 --> 00:23:12,550 It's called schist. 429 00:23:12,550 --> 00:23:15,180 Ideally, though, I'd double up this rope 430 00:23:15,190 --> 00:23:17,390 So I can then make it retrievable 431 00:23:17,390 --> 00:23:19,350 So I'd be able to pull it through. 432 00:23:19,360 --> 00:23:22,420 The thing is, I'm gonna need the whole length of it, 433 00:23:22,430 --> 00:23:24,190 Really, to get down here. 434 00:23:24,190 --> 00:23:27,500 But I'm gonna need to improvise some sort of harness. 435 00:23:27,500 --> 00:23:31,130 To do that, I'll measure four lengths of cord 436 00:23:31,130 --> 00:23:33,400 And then tie a simple overhand knot. 437 00:23:33,400 --> 00:23:35,340 And then what you're left with -- 438 00:23:35,340 --> 00:23:37,510 Two ends with two loops in each end. 439 00:23:37,510 --> 00:23:40,780 Use that cutaway handle from the parachute, 440 00:23:40,780 --> 00:23:43,910 So I'm actually gonna belay off. 441 00:23:43,910 --> 00:23:45,650 Step into the leg loops 442 00:23:45,650 --> 00:23:47,650 And pull the others over your shoulders, 443 00:23:47,650 --> 00:23:50,990 And you've got a good improvised harness. 444 00:23:50,990 --> 00:23:52,520 Okay. 445 00:23:52,520 --> 00:23:55,160 It's always worth, when you've got improvised rope, 446 00:23:55,160 --> 00:23:58,060 Improvised harness, and an improvised belay device, 447 00:23:58,060 --> 00:24:01,660 Just have a little double-check of everything. 448 00:24:02,460 --> 00:24:06,100 I'm tied off securely and ready to go. 449 00:24:06,940 --> 00:24:08,840 When you're more than 70 foot up, 450 00:24:08,840 --> 00:24:11,740 Your descent needs to be considered. 451 00:24:15,540 --> 00:24:18,080 The harness is holding firm, 452 00:24:18,080 --> 00:24:20,680 But I'm not feeling confident up here. 453 00:24:20,680 --> 00:24:24,950 Just aware of the rope running over a lot of these sharp rocks. 454 00:24:24,950 --> 00:24:28,660 Don't want to be bouncing around too much on this. 455 00:24:28,660 --> 00:24:31,530 Nice and steady. 456 00:24:31,530 --> 00:24:32,890 With so much loose rock around, 457 00:24:32,900 --> 00:24:37,700 There's nowhere for me to hide if any of it comes my way. 458 00:24:42,000 --> 00:24:44,510 This is all horrible. 459 00:24:44,510 --> 00:24:47,410 Situations like this can be killers, 460 00:24:47,410 --> 00:24:50,580 And I'm right in the firing line. 461 00:24:50,580 --> 00:24:51,780 All right! 462 00:24:51,780 --> 00:24:54,680 Get one of those on your head, and it's lights out. 463 00:24:54,680 --> 00:24:57,080 Come on. We need to get you down here. 464 00:24:57,090 --> 00:24:57,850 Then we'll go together. 465 00:24:57,850 --> 00:25:01,560 Otherwise it's gonna bring so many rocks on top of each other. 466 00:25:01,560 --> 00:25:04,630 Go down at the same level. 467 00:25:04,630 --> 00:25:08,830 The reason loose rocks are so dangerous 468 00:25:08,830 --> 00:25:10,230 Is that if you have something 469 00:25:10,230 --> 00:25:12,670 Comes down on top of you, knock you out, 470 00:25:12,670 --> 00:25:14,140 You then stop holding your rope 471 00:25:14,140 --> 00:25:17,440 And just drop straight off the end of it. 472 00:25:20,510 --> 00:25:21,240 [ grunting ] 473 00:25:21,240 --> 00:25:26,450 And this parachute's just jammed in this ring, 474 00:25:26,450 --> 00:25:30,620 And we're still bang in that danger zone. 475 00:25:31,520 --> 00:25:33,450 Okay, here we go. 476 00:25:33,720 --> 00:25:35,460 Get this rope done. 477 00:25:35,460 --> 00:25:37,890 I'm relieved to escape in one piece. 478 00:25:37,890 --> 00:25:42,860 Next up, I'm on the hunt for food in a saturated rainforest. 479 00:25:42,870 --> 00:25:45,300 Oh! Possum! 480 00:26:02,480 --> 00:26:04,990 I'm in new zealand's south island, 481 00:26:04,990 --> 00:26:09,290 Where I've pushed my luck in a watery ravine... 482 00:26:09,290 --> 00:26:13,190 Catapulted myself over a steep gorge... 483 00:26:13,200 --> 00:26:14,760 Here she goes! 484 00:26:15,960 --> 00:26:18,500 ...And rappelled from a crumbling ridgeline 485 00:26:18,500 --> 00:26:22,070 In the country's highest mountain range. 486 00:26:22,070 --> 00:26:22,940 All right! 487 00:26:22,940 --> 00:26:27,140 And now I'm in one of the wettest places on earth. 488 00:26:27,140 --> 00:26:30,410 Nearly 400 inches of rain fall here annually. 489 00:26:30,410 --> 00:26:33,410 My clothes are soaking. I want to warm up. 490 00:26:33,420 --> 00:26:34,320 That means finding shelter. 491 00:26:34,320 --> 00:26:39,650 When it's raining this much, simplicity really matters. 492 00:26:39,660 --> 00:26:42,390 You know, we don't want anything too complicated. 493 00:26:42,390 --> 00:26:45,960 I'll look for a natural hollow or deadfall. 494 00:26:45,960 --> 00:26:49,560 That won't be hard to find around here. 495 00:26:49,570 --> 00:26:51,630 The ground in this rainforest is so wet, 496 00:26:51,630 --> 00:26:56,640 Even the biggest trees can be uprooted. 497 00:26:56,640 --> 00:26:58,010 Look. This might work. 498 00:26:58,010 --> 00:26:58,710 It's fallen, 499 00:26:58,710 --> 00:27:02,410 But the trunk's firmly wedged against a nearby tree. 500 00:27:02,410 --> 00:27:06,680 The problem is so much of the ground is like this -- 501 00:27:06,680 --> 00:27:08,480 Saturated with water. 502 00:27:08,480 --> 00:27:12,250 All of this -- a bit spongier and a bit higher. 503 00:27:12,260 --> 00:27:16,090 It's gonna keep me out of that water. 504 00:27:17,060 --> 00:27:20,830 And I've got nice coverage above here. 505 00:27:20,830 --> 00:27:21,860 You know, it's pretty basic, 506 00:27:21,860 --> 00:27:25,170 But maybe use some ferns to make some roofing 507 00:27:25,170 --> 00:27:28,440 To keep the worst of the rain out of here, as well. 508 00:27:28,440 --> 00:27:30,240 Let's try that. 509 00:27:30,240 --> 00:27:32,870 Tree ferns are incredibly useful. 510 00:27:32,880 --> 00:27:35,510 The fronds help keep the water out, 511 00:27:35,510 --> 00:27:38,050 And the dead leaves make good tinder. 512 00:27:38,050 --> 00:27:40,550 And their roots are a great food source. 513 00:27:40,550 --> 00:27:44,790 All I need now is a roof rafter. 514 00:27:44,790 --> 00:27:47,560 And this can then jam in there, 515 00:27:47,560 --> 00:27:49,260 And that's just gonna give something 516 00:27:49,260 --> 00:27:54,230 For me to jam the fern ends into to support them. 517 00:27:54,230 --> 00:27:59,330 Quick, easy, and very effective. 518 00:27:59,340 --> 00:28:02,140 There's a nice layering to that now. 519 00:28:02,140 --> 00:28:04,510 Have a look inside. 520 00:28:05,510 --> 00:28:09,480 Oh, yeah. Actually, it's quite nice and cozy in here. 521 00:28:09,480 --> 00:28:12,680 Protected from the rain and out of the water. 522 00:28:12,680 --> 00:28:16,650 The only thing that could make this a bit more homey 523 00:28:16,650 --> 00:28:18,590 Is if we get a fire going. 524 00:28:18,590 --> 00:28:20,550 Okay, let's do it. 525 00:28:20,560 --> 00:28:24,830 I'm surrounded by wood, but in waterlogged forest, 526 00:28:24,830 --> 00:28:27,230 Finding anything dry is a real challenge. 527 00:28:27,230 --> 00:28:33,130 I'm trying to get dead wood that's hanging in the trees 528 00:28:33,140 --> 00:28:36,570 That hasn't been sat, soaking in water. 529 00:28:36,570 --> 00:28:39,440 And even though it's wet on the outside, 530 00:28:39,440 --> 00:28:42,810 On the inside, that's nice and dry. 531 00:28:44,650 --> 00:28:48,780 And I've got a load of those dried fern fronds 532 00:28:48,790 --> 00:28:52,490 That I can use as tinder, just to get the fire going. 533 00:28:56,020 --> 00:28:59,760 This is always a difficult stage with fire, 534 00:28:59,760 --> 00:29:01,200 Especially when it's raining. 535 00:29:01,200 --> 00:29:07,170 Once it starts to generate heat, it all becomes easier. 536 00:29:07,170 --> 00:29:08,540 While the kindling catches, 537 00:29:08,540 --> 00:29:12,740 I use the heat to dry bigger branches. 538 00:29:13,040 --> 00:29:15,940 Got to be careful not to smother it, though. 539 00:29:15,950 --> 00:29:17,980 A nice crisscross frame, 540 00:29:17,980 --> 00:29:22,350 Kindling keeps all the oxygen going in. 541 00:29:22,350 --> 00:29:25,690 And the rain is still off there, which is good. 542 00:29:26,990 --> 00:29:28,960 My fire's alight, but I'll need 543 00:29:28,960 --> 00:29:33,030 Bigger bits of deadwood to keep it going. 544 00:29:34,660 --> 00:29:36,360 In this wet, soaking place, 545 00:29:36,370 --> 00:29:41,070 You have to focus on staying warm and dry. 546 00:29:41,840 --> 00:29:44,000 Stay there. 547 00:29:48,340 --> 00:29:50,540 Oh! Possum! 548 00:29:50,550 --> 00:29:51,780 See him? Stay there. 549 00:29:51,780 --> 00:29:53,350 There are around 30 million 550 00:29:53,350 --> 00:29:56,020 Of these small mammals in new zealand. 551 00:29:56,020 --> 00:29:59,020 I've only got a stick as a weapon, 552 00:29:59,020 --> 00:30:04,090 But if I can catch this, it'll make a great meal. 553 00:30:05,490 --> 00:30:08,060 Got him! 554 00:30:08,060 --> 00:30:10,160 Just got him. 555 00:30:10,170 --> 00:30:12,800 When he was going into that hole. 556 00:30:12,800 --> 00:30:16,400 Look. See that? That's where he shot into. 557 00:30:16,410 --> 00:30:19,540 You can just see the back of him. 558 00:30:20,910 --> 00:30:25,350 Well, these guys are really considered pests in new zealand. 559 00:30:25,350 --> 00:30:30,120 You know, they destroy the forest, kill birds. 560 00:30:30,120 --> 00:30:34,790 Good. Now, where'd I drop all that firewood? 561 00:30:34,790 --> 00:30:38,930 When you're burning more than 3,000 calories a day, 562 00:30:38,930 --> 00:30:40,630 A meal this size is a bonus. 563 00:30:40,630 --> 00:30:44,970 Normally, you'd want to skin and prepare any food 564 00:30:44,970 --> 00:30:45,830 Away from your camp, 565 00:30:45,840 --> 00:30:51,340 But there's almost no predators here that I need to worry about. 566 00:30:56,780 --> 00:30:58,010 Guts out. 567 00:30:58,010 --> 00:31:01,250 Possums can carry diseases like tuberculosis, 568 00:31:01,250 --> 00:31:03,380 So it needs to be cooked through. 569 00:31:03,390 --> 00:31:07,090 Just lay it on like this, and cook it with the skin. 570 00:31:07,090 --> 00:31:10,560 It's funny, when you sit and watch something cook, 571 00:31:10,560 --> 00:31:13,290 It's always gonna taste better in the end. 572 00:31:13,300 --> 00:31:15,530 You just get hungrier and hungrier. 573 00:31:15,530 --> 00:31:20,570 But having food on the fire is great for morale. 574 00:31:22,340 --> 00:31:24,910 Okay, it should be done. 575 00:31:30,780 --> 00:31:34,350 Oh, a very strong taste. 576 00:31:35,780 --> 00:31:39,220 Kind of reminds me of rat meat, 577 00:31:39,220 --> 00:31:42,060 And that's not great. 578 00:31:42,060 --> 00:31:46,130 But it's warming, and it's nutritious. 579 00:31:46,130 --> 00:31:50,900 And for that, I'm grateful. 580 00:31:50,900 --> 00:31:55,040 I'm battered, bruised, and soaked to the skin, 581 00:31:55,040 --> 00:31:58,240 But it's not all bad in my rudimentary shelter. 582 00:31:58,240 --> 00:32:00,240 However hellish a place you're in, 583 00:32:00,240 --> 00:32:01,740 And I've been to a lot of them, 584 00:32:01,740 --> 00:32:03,640 There's always something you can do 585 00:32:03,650 --> 00:32:06,010 To make yourself a bit more comfortable. 586 00:32:06,020 --> 00:32:07,850 You might not make it like home, 587 00:32:07,850 --> 00:32:11,420 But you can certainly make it feel a bit more homey. 588 00:32:11,420 --> 00:32:12,350 And, you know, right now, 589 00:32:12,360 --> 00:32:15,790 I'm sheltered, I'm warm, and I've had something to eat. 590 00:32:15,790 --> 00:32:20,330 And, you know what? I'm pretty happy. 591 00:32:23,830 --> 00:32:27,900 But now I have to face the elements once again. 592 00:32:27,900 --> 00:32:30,770 The incessant rain is bad news for me, 593 00:32:30,770 --> 00:32:32,770 But it's helped this forest to thrive 594 00:32:32,780 --> 00:32:35,580 For more than 80 million years. 595 00:32:35,580 --> 00:32:41,450 It's absolutely teeming with life, and that means food. 596 00:32:41,450 --> 00:32:48,690 And that's a huhu grub. He's big and completely edible. 597 00:32:56,970 --> 00:32:59,430 I'm deep in the forest in new zealand, 598 00:32:59,440 --> 00:33:02,400 In search of something to get my teeth into. 599 00:33:02,410 --> 00:33:07,980 Rotting wood like this is always good to look for grubs. 600 00:33:07,980 --> 00:33:11,850 The larvae from new zealand's largest native beetle, 601 00:33:11,850 --> 00:33:14,620 The huhu, feeds off the decaying wood. 602 00:33:14,620 --> 00:33:18,720 And these guys will go in absolutely tiny, 603 00:33:18,720 --> 00:33:21,960 Then live in there for up to two years, 604 00:33:21,960 --> 00:33:24,060 Just steadily feeding away. 605 00:33:24,060 --> 00:33:28,260 There he is. And that's a huhu grub. 606 00:33:28,260 --> 00:33:30,960 He's big and completely edible. 607 00:33:30,970 --> 00:33:35,400 You just want to take off the head... 608 00:33:39,440 --> 00:33:42,010 ...Which you don't want to eat, 609 00:33:42,010 --> 00:33:46,250 But all of this is fine. 610 00:33:46,250 --> 00:33:48,620 It's a real maori delicacy. 611 00:33:48,620 --> 00:33:52,520 They say it tastes like peanut butter. 612 00:33:52,520 --> 00:33:54,760 I love peanut butter on my toast, 613 00:33:54,760 --> 00:33:56,560 But I wouldn't put this on it. 614 00:33:56,560 --> 00:33:58,060 [ spits ] more like snot. 615 00:33:58,060 --> 00:33:59,890 But they've got a high fat content, 616 00:33:59,900 --> 00:34:03,560 So they're the perfect fast food to keep you going. 617 00:34:03,570 --> 00:34:04,230 Okay. 618 00:34:04,230 --> 00:34:06,100 There's no shortage of rotting wood, 619 00:34:06,100 --> 00:34:10,670 And that means no shortage of food if you like grubs. 620 00:34:10,670 --> 00:34:12,440 So the biggest challenge here 621 00:34:12,440 --> 00:34:15,080 Is finding a way to the west coast. 622 00:34:15,080 --> 00:34:16,880 You can tell it rains in new zealand. 623 00:34:16,880 --> 00:34:21,010 Just solid waterfalls like this the whole way down the mountain. 624 00:34:21,020 --> 00:34:22,980 The stream will run to a river, 625 00:34:22,990 --> 00:34:24,890 And on this side of the mountains, 626 00:34:24,890 --> 00:34:26,850 They all wind their way west. 627 00:34:26,860 --> 00:34:29,720 So that's what you should look for. 628 00:34:29,730 --> 00:34:32,030 Well, there's a river. 629 00:34:32,030 --> 00:34:34,530 But this is only ever gonna lead one way -- 630 00:34:34,530 --> 00:34:38,030 Downhill and to the coast. 631 00:34:39,630 --> 00:34:43,770 It's impossible to tell how far the coast is from here. 632 00:34:43,770 --> 00:34:47,370 For now, it's probably best to follow the course of the river. 633 00:34:47,380 --> 00:34:49,680 But I can't make that call 634 00:34:49,680 --> 00:34:52,110 Until I see the lay of the land. 635 00:34:52,110 --> 00:34:56,180 Okay. Next phase begins. 636 00:34:59,820 --> 00:35:03,160 See, it's gonna be hard to follow the riverbanks. 637 00:35:03,160 --> 00:35:05,790 It's just sheer cliffs on both sides there. 638 00:35:05,800 --> 00:35:08,030 You know, there's a nice, gentle flow to this. 639 00:35:08,030 --> 00:35:11,130 Might be worth making some sort of flotation device 640 00:35:11,130 --> 00:35:14,800 And just drifting down and breaking out onto a bank 641 00:35:14,800 --> 00:35:15,870 When we find one. 642 00:35:15,870 --> 00:35:18,940 It's a calculated risk. 643 00:35:18,940 --> 00:35:20,910 You never know what's around the corner 644 00:35:20,910 --> 00:35:23,580 Or where you'll be able to get out. 645 00:35:23,750 --> 00:35:28,150 These will be good. All the dead stems from these ferns. 646 00:35:28,150 --> 00:35:30,420 The good thing about these -- 647 00:35:30,420 --> 00:35:34,390 All the ferns above kept these pretty dry. 648 00:35:34,390 --> 00:35:37,520 These are gonna make good buoyancy. 649 00:35:37,530 --> 00:35:39,890 And the remains of the parachute will make 650 00:35:39,900 --> 00:35:43,100 A fail-safe waterproof casing to put them in. 651 00:35:43,100 --> 00:35:46,600 The good thing about using parachute material 652 00:35:46,600 --> 00:35:47,970 Is zero porosity. 653 00:35:47,970 --> 00:35:51,740 That means it will keep water out and trap air inside, 654 00:35:51,740 --> 00:35:55,110 Creating extra buoyancy. 655 00:35:55,110 --> 00:35:56,980 As we got used to in the military, 656 00:35:56,980 --> 00:35:59,810 We'd use our ponchos to wrap up everything. 657 00:35:59,820 --> 00:36:02,020 Backpack, then tie it, seal, 658 00:36:02,020 --> 00:36:05,850 And use that as flotation to cross lakes or rivers. 659 00:36:06,650 --> 00:36:08,560 And that's gonna be nice and buoyant. 660 00:36:08,560 --> 00:36:11,990 The one thing I don't want to put in there, though, 661 00:36:11,990 --> 00:36:14,130 Is my knife. 662 00:36:14,130 --> 00:36:15,630 Gonna keep that out, strapped to me. 663 00:36:15,630 --> 00:36:18,770 That's my safety in the river if we get snagged in anything. 664 00:36:18,770 --> 00:36:23,070 Your knife is your primary means of survival. 665 00:36:23,070 --> 00:36:25,740 You don't want to lose it. 666 00:36:27,310 --> 00:36:28,940 I might be in the rainforest, 667 00:36:28,940 --> 00:36:31,750 But this water comes straight from a glacier. 668 00:36:31,750 --> 00:36:33,180 It's less than 50 degrees -- 669 00:36:33,180 --> 00:36:36,550 Cold enough to render you unconscious within an hour. 670 00:36:36,550 --> 00:36:40,790 There's loads of buoyancy in this, at least. 671 00:36:40,790 --> 00:36:43,420 Push out into the flow. 672 00:36:44,290 --> 00:36:47,260 I can't. Go on with it. 673 00:36:48,300 --> 00:36:50,100 Be with me in the main flow. 674 00:36:50,100 --> 00:36:53,470 Just stick together in this river. 675 00:36:58,110 --> 00:37:00,270 Just get downstream and find a place 676 00:37:00,280 --> 00:37:02,440 Where we won't drop dead on the banks. 677 00:37:02,440 --> 00:37:04,810 You need to stay alert in rivers. 678 00:37:04,810 --> 00:37:08,950 There's potential danger around every bend. 679 00:37:10,450 --> 00:37:11,850 The rapids ahead there. 680 00:37:11,850 --> 00:37:13,520 You need to keep your feet up 681 00:37:13,520 --> 00:37:15,460 If you go through these, all right? 682 00:37:15,460 --> 00:37:18,630 If you glide on your back with your legs forward 683 00:37:18,630 --> 00:37:20,790 And use the current to help steer, 684 00:37:20,800 --> 00:37:23,600 You can avoid hidden rocks and stoppers. 685 00:37:23,600 --> 00:37:26,530 Those can be a death sentence. 686 00:37:26,540 --> 00:37:30,100 Keep away from the undercut ledges. 687 00:37:30,110 --> 00:37:32,240 If you can't, fend off the rocks 688 00:37:32,240 --> 00:37:36,080 And hope you're spat out the other side. 689 00:37:36,080 --> 00:37:39,480 Whoo! Didn't like that undercut bit. 690 00:37:39,480 --> 00:37:43,650 I'm through the rapids, but not out of trouble yet. 691 00:37:43,650 --> 00:37:46,990 There's still no banks to be able to get out and walk on. 692 00:37:46,990 --> 00:37:49,720 Look at this. Look. 693 00:37:49,730 --> 00:37:52,860 Still sheer walls on both sides. 694 00:37:52,860 --> 00:37:54,490 I'm beginning to wonder 695 00:37:54,500 --> 00:37:57,130 If getting in this river was such a good idea. 696 00:37:57,130 --> 00:37:58,000 Hypothermia will set in 697 00:37:58,000 --> 00:38:00,400 25 times quicker here than on land. 698 00:38:00,400 --> 00:38:06,810 We got to get out soon here. Getting really cold in here now. 699 00:38:14,680 --> 00:38:17,020 I'm in a freezing glacier-fed river 700 00:38:17,020 --> 00:38:20,050 On the west coast of new zealand. 701 00:38:20,060 --> 00:38:25,430 I've got to get out soon here. Getting really cold in here now. 702 00:38:25,430 --> 00:38:29,860 I knew the risks before I got in here, and I'm well-prepared. 703 00:38:29,870 --> 00:38:35,900 Better at keeping warm just to hold your buoyancy close to you. 704 00:38:35,900 --> 00:38:37,900 Try and preserve your core heat. 705 00:38:37,910 --> 00:38:42,380 Keeping your legs and arms close to your stomach 706 00:38:42,380 --> 00:38:45,580 Will help slow the heat loss. 707 00:38:45,580 --> 00:38:49,120 Look. There's a bank over there. We can get out. 708 00:38:49,120 --> 00:38:52,290 My gamble's paid off. 709 00:38:52,290 --> 00:38:56,590 And that is a very welcome sight to see, that bank. 710 00:38:56,590 --> 00:38:59,960 But the cold water's taking its toll. 711 00:38:59,960 --> 00:39:03,830 Early signs of hypothermia are plain to see. 712 00:39:03,830 --> 00:39:06,470 I bet my lips are really blue. 713 00:39:06,470 --> 00:39:11,940 That's the stage I know I'm getting really cold. 714 00:39:11,940 --> 00:39:12,670 It's not far, 715 00:39:12,680 --> 00:39:15,880 But most drownings are within a few feet of safety. 716 00:39:15,880 --> 00:39:19,650 Every stroke is a struggle. 717 00:39:22,180 --> 00:39:26,920 I thought that canyon was just never gonna end. 718 00:39:27,260 --> 00:39:31,460 Can't feel my fingers well at all. 719 00:39:31,460 --> 00:39:37,230 Warm them up, then we can get packed out. 720 00:39:40,700 --> 00:39:44,640 Very, very relieved. See some clear ground. 721 00:39:44,640 --> 00:39:46,170 I need to get on the move, 722 00:39:46,180 --> 00:39:49,740 Get my heart rate up, and the blood pumping. 723 00:39:49,750 --> 00:39:51,380 Let's go. 724 00:39:54,680 --> 00:39:59,550 As you follow the riverbank west towards the coast, 725 00:39:59,560 --> 00:40:01,020 You hit tidal flood plains, 726 00:40:01,020 --> 00:40:04,830 And that means you're soon into swamp. 727 00:40:05,060 --> 00:40:10,330 There's no escaping water here. It's energy-sapping. 728 00:40:10,330 --> 00:40:13,070 At times like these, you got to dig deep 729 00:40:13,070 --> 00:40:16,040 And keep a positive mental attitude. 730 00:40:16,040 --> 00:40:17,070 [ spits ] 731 00:40:17,070 --> 00:40:20,770 Water's beginning to taste a bit saltier. 732 00:40:20,780 --> 00:40:21,940 Brackish. 733 00:40:21,940 --> 00:40:24,410 Means we're getting closer to the sea. 734 00:40:24,410 --> 00:40:26,150 Let's keep going. Come on. 735 00:40:26,150 --> 00:40:30,480 After days of being soaked through, I'm flagging. 736 00:40:30,490 --> 00:40:33,550 Even a 1-degree drop in your core body temperature 737 00:40:33,560 --> 00:40:37,320 Can mean you burn five times more energy. 738 00:40:37,330 --> 00:40:42,360 I need a boost, and I've seen something that will help me. 739 00:40:42,360 --> 00:40:44,770 There's a cabbage tree. 740 00:40:44,770 --> 00:40:46,670 [ grunting ] 741 00:40:50,610 --> 00:40:53,970 Strip all these leaves off. 742 00:40:53,980 --> 00:40:57,210 Right in the middle of it, you get the heart of it, 743 00:40:57,210 --> 00:40:59,150 And that's what's edible. 744 00:40:59,150 --> 00:41:01,210 Give me carbohydrate, 745 00:41:01,220 --> 00:41:07,250 Give me a bit of energy -- in a swamp like this, you need. 746 00:41:08,290 --> 00:41:13,090 Tastes a little bit like raw cabbage, unsurprisingly. 747 00:41:15,760 --> 00:41:17,330 Fighting my way through here 748 00:41:17,330 --> 00:41:20,030 Is hard work and disorientating. 749 00:41:20,040 --> 00:41:23,800 I need to find a marker to get my bearings. 750 00:41:23,810 --> 00:41:25,670 Look. 751 00:41:25,670 --> 00:41:27,210 See those trees? 752 00:41:27,210 --> 00:41:29,140 See the one leaning towards us? 753 00:41:29,140 --> 00:41:31,280 That far side has been stripped bare 754 00:41:31,280 --> 00:41:34,380 By the force of the weather coming from the sea. 755 00:41:34,380 --> 00:41:38,990 That means west, and the coast is that way. 756 00:41:38,990 --> 00:41:41,290 So hard to maintain your direction. 757 00:41:41,290 --> 00:41:47,130 In a swamp like this, little markers like that really help. 758 00:41:49,200 --> 00:41:52,370 Let's keep going. Come on. 759 00:41:53,230 --> 00:41:58,570 The weather's closing in, and this rain is relentless. 760 00:41:58,570 --> 00:42:01,910 But the coast is a welcome sight. 761 00:42:03,310 --> 00:42:05,580 Hear the surf from here. 762 00:42:05,580 --> 00:42:08,220 Come on, let's get down. 763 00:42:08,720 --> 00:42:14,290 I'm on my last legs, but I've made it in one piece. 764 00:42:14,290 --> 00:42:20,060 Well, that's the coast, and it's pretty bleak. 765 00:42:21,160 --> 00:42:25,700 And this is as far west as I can go. 766 00:42:27,970 --> 00:42:31,970 Next stop that way is argentina. 767 00:42:31,970 --> 00:42:35,280 That's almost halfway around the world. 768 00:42:35,680 --> 00:42:39,980 Okay. Left or right on the coast? 769 00:42:40,950 --> 00:42:43,750 Last time I went left, I was wrong. 770 00:42:43,750 --> 00:42:44,480 Let's go this way. 771 00:42:44,490 --> 00:42:48,820 There's only one word for new zealand -- epic. 772 00:42:48,820 --> 00:42:52,230 The diversity here has been the ultimate challenge, 773 00:42:52,230 --> 00:42:54,790 And I've been tested to my breaking point. 774 00:42:54,800 --> 00:42:59,230 But the end is finally in sight. 775 00:42:59,230 --> 00:43:00,230 There's a hut. 776 00:43:00,240 --> 00:43:03,700 Do you see the outline of two chimneys? 777 00:43:03,710 --> 00:43:04,800 See that? 778 00:43:04,810 --> 00:43:11,140 And that's going to be my end in new zealand. 779 00:43:11,150 --> 00:43:15,780 Pretty spectacular, but hard. 780 00:43:15,780 --> 00:43:18,320 Boy, does it rain a lot. 781 00:43:18,320 --> 00:43:21,820 Okay, let's get to that hut.