Missing trampers walk out of ranges

A pair of trampers who failed to return from the Ahimanawa Ranges in the central North Island last night have walked out today.

The men, both 37, and their black labrador dog were due to return yesterday from a day trip in the Stony Creek area.

Worried family members reported them missing about 3am today.

Police and LandSAR volunteers began searching this morning but the men walked out of the ranges about 12.30pm, Senior Sergeant Luke Shadbolt of Hastings said.

They had become lost in the ranges and stayed put overnight before finding their way out this morning.

They were found on the side of the road, cold and wet but happy to be out, Mr Shadbolt said.

- NZPA