KEY POINTS:
An overdue tramper who became disorientated in thick fog was airlifted out of the Ivory Lake area east of Hokitika this morning.
Constable Mike Tinnelly, of Greymouth police, said concerned family members raised the alarm last night after the Hokitika man hadn't returned as expected on Sunday.
An aerial search this morning found the man waving to rescuers from the Dickie Spur ridge.
Mr Tinnelly said after losing his map and becoming disorientated in thick fog, the tramper decided to stay where he was for the night. He didn't need medical attention, but had run out of provisions.
Mr Tinnelly said people shouldn't tramp alone in alpine areas in case of such incidents.
- NZPA
