Missing hiker near Raglan found safe and well after falling down cliff

A hiker reported missing near Raglan has been found safe and well early this morning. Photo / File

A hiker missing since Sunday near Raglan is recovering in hospital after slipping off a track and falling down a cliff.

The 40-year-old man was plucked the man to safety early today after he was found by the Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter using night vision googles.

Police told the Herald the man was spotted from the air in steep Waikato terrain about 1.30am.

A search on foot had failed to find the missing hiker who was last seen at Te Toto Gorge Track south on Sunday.

The rescue helicopter said the man was found on the seaward face of Mt Karioi down a cliff that he had been unable to climb back up.

He was initially taken to the Raglan Police Station where he was treated for hypothermia and several cuts and scrapes.

He was flown to Waikato Hospital for further assessment.

Search and rescue efforts started last night after the man's family raised the alarm yesterday afternoon.