Land search and rescue volunteers reportedly undertook a rescue in the dark and freezing temperatures on the West Coast at the weekend. Photo / Supplied
A group of lost North Island trampers was rescued after a night in the freezing cold West Coast bush.
The three trampers became stranded near Otira due to bad weather.
They had been walking up the Deception River on Friday when the terrible conditions hit.
Their goal was to reach the Pfeifer Bivvy but were unable to do so and found themselves without shelter.
The party activated a safety locator beacon at 7.20pm.
The rescue helicopter was dispatched from Greymouth but bad weather meant it could not reach the area and a six-person team of LandSAR volunteers was sent in on foot.
The rescue team reached the trampers at about 3am, halfway up the river, and lit them a fire to keep warm.
The rescue helicopter was reportedly able to pick them up at daylight the next day and they were dropped to Jackson. None of the group required medical attention.
The 19-year-old disappeared without her wallet or mobile phone.