Trampers airlifted from Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Sunday, 23 July 2017

The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was dispatched on Sunday morning to pick up four hikers on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Four trampers have been airlifted off the Tongariro Alpine Crossing after getting into difficulty.

The group was reported lost on Saturday.

Four trampers were airlifted from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on Sunday.

Police say the group became separated while tramping. Officers received a call from two of the trampers at 8.40pm who were walking in snowy conditions.

The trampers, described as inexperienced, reported feeling cold and tired. Their clothes were wet.

The other two trampers had stayed in the Oturere hut.

A rescue helicopter was dispatched but cloudy conditions meant it couldn't land. A search and rescue team was sent in near the Ketetahi hut and located the trampers.

All four trampers were reunited in the Oturere hut at 2.30am. One of the trampers was so cold she had to be carried back to the hut by rescuers.

Rescuers arrived at the hut at 2.45am.

The rescue team stayed with the trampers overnight.

The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was dispatched on Sunday morning and picked up the hikers from the Oturere hut.

The rescued group was described as 'very cold'.