A search and rescue operation is under way in the Mt Aspiring National Park after a distress beacon was activated.
A spokesman for the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand said the beacon was activated at about 1.30pm and a helicopter from Aspiring Helicopters was on its way to Rabbit Pass walking track.
The beacon had been traced back to an unknown number of people in a hiking group and they were unable to be reached by phone, he said.
Once the situation was clearer there would be a decision made on whether a full scale rescue operation was needed, he said.
