Mt Ngāuruhoe rescue: Two men wearing only T-shirts, hoodies helped by climbers, police

The two men were cold and frightened and unsure how to descend Mt Ngāuruhoe. Photo / NZ Police

Police are asking people to be prepared before heading into the outdoors after two men were rescued from Mt Ngāuruhoe in the central North Island.

At around 4pm on Saturday, September 3, a climbing party summitted Mt Ngāuruhoe in alpine winter conditions.

The climbers were amazed to discover two men sitting on the snow near the summit dressed in street shoes, jeans, cotton T-shirts and cotton hooded sweatshirts.

The two men were cold and frightened and unsure how to descend the mountain with no alpine equipment in rapidly increasing icy conditions.

After feeding them, providing some warm clothing and some discussion via Google Translate, the climbers called 111 and asked for police assistance to get the two men down the mountain.

Police sent Midwest Helicopters to the summit, who were able to uplift them and fly them down to safety.

The two men were cold and frightened and unsure how to descend Mt Ngāuruhoe. Photo / NZ Police

National Park Police Constable Mark Bolton co-ordinated the rescue and was not impressed with the pair’s readiness for the conditions.

“This would be one of the worst examples I have seen in recent years of day-walkers with inadequate knowledge, equipment and skill, climbing in an alpine environment,” Bolton said.

“They are incredibly fortunate that the well-prepared mountaineers were able to render assistance and put the call out for help, because I doubt they would have survived the night otherwise.”

At least two other climbers, concerned with their lack of clothing and equipment, had attempted to turn the two men around during their ascent of the mountain.

Police encourage anyone heading into the back country to check in with the local Department of Conservation visitor centres for up-to-date advice on weather, conditions, equipment and local knowledge of any intended routes.