New Zealand / Emergency Services

Teens missing in Upper Hutt bush found by hunters

09:05 am on 5 February 2024

A Google maps screenshot showing the park's location. Photo: Google Maps

Two teenagers missing overnight after a walk in Akatarawa Forest Park have been found safe and well.

The teens were found by hunters shortly after 8am on Monday.

Police said neither teen nor their two dogs were hurt.

The 17 and 16-year-olds did not return from walking their dogs on the track on Sunday.

The pair left home about 5.30pm to walk their dogs along one of the tracks leading from the Karapoti carpark and were expected to return by 9pm.

Police were alerted just after 2am when they did not come home, and a search began around 4.30am.

Karapoti Track. Photo: Greater Wellington

Police were alerted just after 2am when they did not come home, and a search began around 4.30am.