A hunter and one of his dogs have been rescued by helicopter after plunging about 25 metres down a steep ravine in the Central Plateau.
A hunter and his dog are winched to safety. Photo: Conrad Smith
He was winched to safety in cold but clear conditions in the early hours of this morning after becoming trapped near Whakapapa last night.
The man was found by friends, who lowered down some warm clothing to him so he could stay warm overnight, before the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter mounted to mission at first light to pull him to safety.
The crew also hoisted a dog out of the ravine, leaving two of the hunter's other dogs to be taken out of the bush today.
The man was not injured.