Girl survives 30m fall down cliff

A 14-year-old girl had a miraculous escape from serious injury or death at the weekend, after falling 30m down a cliff-face near Raetihi.

Taupo's Lion Foundation rescue helicopter flew to one of the most isolated parts of the North Island to make the rescue, as ambulance access was impossible.

The accident happened on Saturday at a Ruatiti farm, 20km north-west of Raetihi. Helicopter pilot Guy Beange said the girl was on a neighbour's farm at a birthday party.

She jumped off a path to hide and fell down a bluff. The girl suffered pelvic, hip and leg injuries and was flown to Wanganui Hospital. A spokesman said her injuries were not serious.