Rachel Lloyd (22) a student at Massey University and her mother Carolyn Lloyd (45) from the United States are missing in the Tararua Ranges near Waikanae picture supplied via facebook https://www.
Rachel Lloyd (22) a student at Massey University and her mother Carolyn Lloyd (45) from the United States are missing in the Tararua Ranges near Waikanae picture supplied via facebook https://www.
A mother and daughter who became lost in the Central North Island bush had to huddle together for warmth and ration their supplies after the terrain became impenetrable, police say.
Carolyn and Rachel Lloyd failed to return from what was supposed to be a day hike on the Kapakapanui Track in the Tararua Forest Park on Tuesday, prompting a huge search and rescue operation.
Sergeant Anthony Harmer told reporters that the pair were spotted by an experienced local helicopter pilot earlier today.
They have been airlifted to Kenepuru Hospital for precautionary checks after their miracle survival.
"They've ended up becoming a bit disorientated and heading off the main track down into an unexpected waterway, where they've become stranded by their circumstances and ended up having to ration their resources [and] stay together for warmth," he said.
"They've ended up in a very steep and rugged area of terrain, so steep at times that they felt that they weren't able to return ... the way that they had come, so ended up going further down and ended up in a water catchment area where they were unable to progress out."
The water catchment was a stream of sorts, he said.
Both were thought to be in good health following their ordeal but were being checked over by medical staff as a precaution.
"They're obviously a little bit worse for wear - dehydrated and exhausted."
A search and rescue operation began yesterday after their vehicle was discovered at the entrance to the track.
The back window of the the rental car had been smashed. Photo / Solbin Kang
Sergeant Harmer said the mother and daughter were experienced day hikers, having completed the Appalachian Trail and numerous other hikes in their native United States.
He praised them for how they had handled their situation.
"They've been caught out unawares in their circumstances to no fault of their own. It's a New Zealand environment as opposed to other environments that they've been to.
"They've done all the right things once they have found that they're disorientated - they've stayed together, they've conserved their heat, they've conserved their resources so they gave themselves the best chance possible."
The brother and uncle of the two women has expressed his relief after their discovery.
Posting on Facebook, Bob Schumacher said "our prayers have been answered".
"My sister and niece have been found alive. They are being helicoptered out. My sister is okay, my niece is a little weak, but both should be just fine."
The Department of Conservation sign at the start of the park. Photo / Solbin Kang
Police and search and rescue crews began scouring the Tararua Forest Park near Waikanae for Carolyn, 45, and Rachel Lloyd, 22, after their rental car was found at the entrance of the track yesterday.
Tessa Bradlie Souffrant posted "My grandbig and her mom are missing while she is abroad in New Zealand".
"Please pray that they find them both alive and well!"
Tararua Tramping Club president Peter Barber said it would be difficult to get lost on the track.
"You go up one side and come down the other.
"But it is quite steep. The weather's been pretty good. It can be harder when it's not so good."
Mr Barber said it was important hikers always told someone where they were going, and carried good gear, extra food, a personal locator beacon and GPS.
