Lost tramper rescued from Hawke's Bay back country

A hiker on a day walk was rescued from the Kaweka Forest Park in Hawke's Bay last night. Photo / Google maps

A lost and extremely cold tramper has been spared from certain death after searchers rescued him from a North Island forest park overnight.

Police say the 25-year-old man became lost on a day trek through the Kaweka Forest Park in Hawke's Bay and got caught out by plummeting temperatures.

Eastern District deployment coordinator Senior Sergeant Mike Stevenson said rescuers believed he would not have survived the night had he not been found within hours of his distress call.

The hiker had been mostly well prepared for the day walk but after walking too far into the park and going through snow he became lost and too cold to make his way back out before nightfall.

The hiker did not have appropriate clothing with him for the changing conditions or to keep himself warm past sunset.

"By the time he turned around to walk back to his car, it was getting dark and the temperature had dropped significantly," said Stevenson.

"He reported having walked through snow and felt extremely cold."

The man was able to call for help about 6pm and a search and rescue team and helicopter were sent to find him.

He was found very cold but otherwise well about 8.30pm.

"The hiker was very lucky this evening and we're glad he's made it home safely," said Stevenson.

It served as a reminder that anyone walking in New Zealand's parks must prepare for changing conditions and emergencies because worst-case scenarios did sometimes happen.

"That means keeping someone back home well informed of your plans and sticking to them, allowing yourself plenty of time to return safely before darkness," said Stevenson.