Missing trampers located

A father and daughter missing in the Arthur's Pass National Park since Sunday have been located safe and well this morning.

Search and Rescue officials confirmed that Jeremy Walsh, 54, and his daughter Lucy-Jane Walsh, 24, both of Christchurch, were found during a helicopter search at around 8.40am.

Search and Rescue coordinator Detective Logan Penrose says the pair were located near the headwaters of the Rolleston River.

"They were cold but are otherwise well and uninjured," he says. "They have been checked by a paramedic and have now been airlifted out to Arthur's Pass.

"We understand the pair had deviated from the track instructions and were unable to regain the track in the upper regions of the Rolleston River. This track is known to be poorly formed and in a difficult area.

"They have done the right thing by choosing to remain in one spot and await rescue."

Detective Penrose says the rescue highlights the need for trampers to leave clear intentions with family and friends and in visitors' books at huts along their route.

The pair were reported overdue on Sunday evening [2 March] after they had left on an overnight tramp on Saturday. It was believed the pair were travelling from Klondyke Corner to the Waimakariri Falls and the Waimakariri Col area. A helicopter search of the area yesterday was unsuccessful.

Detective Penrose says after discussions with the family overnight the search area was extended into the area where the pair were found.

Ground teams including an alpine cliff rescue team had been deployed into the area this morning, and have now been stood down.

ENDS

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