Missing hunter found in the Urewera Ranges

A Rotorua hunter, missing since yesterday in the Urewera Ranges east of Murupara, was found safe but with a suspected broken ankle today.

The alarm was raised after 47-year-old man, who had gone for a day's hunting in the Ngaputahi area, failed to meet up with his hunting partner.

A search involving a helicopter was launched at first light today.

Barry Vincent of the Tenon Rescue Helicopter said the hunter was found about 9.30am in a steep gutter on a ridge off the Mangakino Stream.

"Due to the rugged nature of the terrain the helicopter had to land several kilometres away and one of the search party had to walk to where the man was located to ascertain his condition."

Mr Vincent said the hunter had fallen about 100m down a slip at about 4.30pm yesterday afternoon.

"It is believed he broke an ankle."

He was given first aid and airlifted to Murupara where he was treated by St John Ambulance staff and taken to Rotorua Hospital.

- NZPA