A Life Flight Trust team has this morning airlifted a tramper to safety from the Tararua ranges.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter, with a Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic onboard, was initially called by the Rescue Coordination Centre to a distress beacon activation in the Tararua Ranges at approximately 9.30pm last night (4 April) .

Helicopter crews were able to locate the tramper using night vision equipment, but were unable to effect a rescue due to the poor weather conditions in the area.

The helicopter resumed the search at 7.00am this morning and located the tramper again just after 8.00am near the Mid Waiohine Hut.

The tramper had a minor injury to a knee and was cold and wet after a night in the open, but did not require any hospital treatment. He was taken to Masterton to be reunited with his fellow trampers and checked over by the onboard Wellington Free Ambulance paramedic. He had been well equipped with food, warm clothing and an emergency locator beacon.

The Life Flight Trust is a charity providing air rescue and air ambulance services. It operates the Wellington based Westpac Rescue Helicopter and a national air ambulance service. It relies on support from the public and sponsorship from partners such as Westpac to provide these services. Further information can be obtained from www.lifeflight.org.nz

ENDS

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