A Czech tourist who survived a month in the New Zealand wilderness alone after her partner died four days into their hike, has spoken about her ordeal.

Pavlina Pizova and her partner Ondrej Petr had set off to trek the famous Routeburn Track on the South Island on 24 July.

Severe weather conditions hampered their route and the couple became lost in heavy snow and fog two days after setting out.

Pizova described the past month as "very harrowing" during an emotional news conference. Still dressed in her hiking clothes, she explained that she had spent two nights out in the open in what is New Zealand's winter.

Pizova was left alone after 27-year-old Petr died when he slipped and fell. During the press conference Pizova's translator, Czech Consul Vladka Kennett, explained that Petr had been trapped between rocks and branches and, despite her efforts, Pizova was unable to rescue him.

After surviving two nights in freezing weather, Pizova found her way to Lake McKenzie Hut where she found food and shelter in the warden's quarters.

The 32-year-old explained that she was prevented from attempting to find help by the continuing bad weather.

She said: "I made a few attempts to walk from the hut, but my fear, the weather conditions and the snow discouraged me from doing so".

"At the hut, considering my physical health, the deep snow conditions, knowing there were avalanche paths ahead of me, I knew it was best to stay in the safe place," Pizova said.

She thanked local police for their rescue efforts, describing them as "heroes".

Local Police mounted a search and rescue on Wednesday after they were alerted that the couple hadn't been seen since July. Their car was found in the Track's carpark and a police helicopter traced the hiking path where they found Pizova in the warden's hut.

The 32-year-old was taken to hospital, but was found to be in good health.