Hunter found in the Kaimanawa Ranges

A hunter who had been missing in the Kaimanawa Ranges since Saturday evening has been found. Photo / Stephen Parker

A hunter who was missing in the Kaimanawa Ranges survived without food and lit a fire to keep warm until he was rescued this morning.

Police have confirmed the 60-year-old man was found today after failing to return from a hunting trip on Saturday.

The hunter, who was wearing a blue hunting vest, an orange beanie and shorts, became separated from his friends who raised the alarm on Sunday morning when they made it out of the ranges.

The Defence Force flew six police search teams to look for him this morning.

But just after the last of the police search teams had been dropped off the hunter was spotted standing on a riverbed just before 11am waving his survival blanket.

He was winched aboard an NH90 helicopter.

NH90 captain Flight Lieutenant Peter Familton said they gave the man food and water as he had not eaten anything since Saturday.

"It is a fantastic outcome and the one we had hoped for. The crew are very happy that we are able to bring the man home to his family."

The man was checked by an Air Force doctor before being dropped at Turangi where police had set-up a command post.