KEY POINTS:
Waikato police are warning people who go into the bush to be prepared, after rescuing a group of tourists yesterday.
Seven tourists were found at 11.30pm yesterday after spending about five-and-a-half hours on Mt Karioi near Raglan, in the Waikato.
The group of European tourists were found about 500 metres from the track on Mt Karioi.
Waikato police search and rescue coordinator Sergeant Warren Shaw said it was "disappointing that when found, the group were ill equipped, poorly clad, and not carrying any food".
One of the key pieces of equipment they lacked was torches, which would have been "invaluable" in the fading light.
On the positive side, the group had remained in place once they had phoned by cellphone for help, he said.
Mr Shaw said it would be valuable if others could learn from the group's misfortune.
"If you're intending heading out into the bush make sure you tell someone where you're going and take the right gear.
"That gear should include maps, a compass, food, water, a torch and wet weather gear and if possible like this group, a cell phone," he said.
The group were being interviewed by police today.
- NZPA
