Missing tramper finds way out of Paparoa National Park bush, meets searchers in car park

The man had the beginning of mild hypothermia when he emerged from the bush, police said. Photo / File

The 40-year-old Israeli man reported missing in Paparoa National Park was found this afternoon after emerging from the bush and meeting up with rescuers in a car park.

Senior Sergeant Paul Watson said the man had gone to the Bucklands Peak hut to stay overnight, but on Wednesday he woke up to miserable weather conditions.

"He advised that the weather had changed dramatically since he had set out on Tuesday," Watson said.

The tramper set out in the heavy rain and low cloud to make his way back to the car park, but took a wrong turn.

"[He] tried to retrace his steps back to the hut, unfortunately he missed the hut and he also missed some route marking poles and has ended up traversing down quite a steep gully and a lot of bush-clad area."

The man had to spend a "very wet and cold night in the bush".

"During the course of today, he's battled his way through that thick, dense bush and managed to emerge over several ridges and make rendezvous with our waiting search team."

He met the team about 3.30pm.

The man was assessed by paramedics who found he had the onset of mild hypothermia.

Watson said different circumstances could have led to a "totally different outcome" for the man.

A team of 14 Search and Rescue volunteers were involved in the search, as well as a police incident management team and search dog.

Watson reminded trampers to find out the weather forecast for several days ahead before heading out, and to talk to locals, information centres, and DOC staff about the area first.

"Be prepared, know your limitations," he said.

He also advised people to take a personal locator beacon with them on tramps.

"We're lucky and thankful we had a speedy conclusion to the search," he said.

-NewstalkZB