A Dutch rock climber was injured after falling 14m at a popular climbing spot in the South Island this afternoon.
The 27-year-old man had been rock climbing in the Paynes Ford reserve near Takaka, Golden Bay, when he took tumble, landing in dense bush at the cliff base some distance from road access.
Given the difficult location and the nature of the climber's injuries, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter was called to assist St John staff already on scene.
The man was stabilised by the on-board intensive care paramedic before being winched on-board the helicopter and flown to Nelson Hospital's emergency department for further care.
A Nelson Hospital Emergency Department spokeswoman said the climber had been treated and discharged.
