Today at approximately 1230pm the Taupo based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to the Tongariro National Park to assist an injured tramper.

The 66 year old female Dutch tourist had slipped whilst walking the Whakapapiti Hut Trail and suffered a broken leg. Low cloud and fog in the area made it difficult for the helicopter to reach her ridgeline location and due to the steep terrain she was unable to be carried out by fellow members of her party. Fortunately a brief break in the conditions allowed the rescue helicopter crew to land and attend the woman's injuries.

She was airlifted to Rotorua Hospital for further treatment, and not a moment too soon as the local weather quickly began to deteriorate as the helicopter departed.

ENDS

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