A tramper stuck in the Tararua Forest Park north of Wellington has been found by a search team and returned to his family after being airlifted out.
Tararua Forest Park (file photo) Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0 / Michal Klajban
The Land Search and Rescue team found the experienced tramper at McGregor Hut, west of Masterton, just before 3am.
Two teams were sent to the area after the man left the capital on Sunday to complete a circuit along Pinnacle Ridge. He was reported stuck yesterday and severe weather hampered rescue efforts.
Police had been directing him to the McGregor Bivvy hut for shelter, via a cellphone, while monitoring his position through his personal locator beacon.
About 8.30am, the tramper and SAR team were helicoptered out.
They said he was in good shape and good spirits, considering what he had been through.