Rescuers searching for a missing tramper north of Wellington have made contact with the man on his cell phone.
The 22-year-old Upper Hutt man went missing in freezing conditions yesterday after heading into Tararua Forest Park to search for his lost dog.
While he was believed to be well equipped, there had been heavy snow in the area and police were concerned for his safety.
About 10.40am today, police made contact with the man on his cell phone and he was uninjured and in good spirits, said a Wellington police communications shift inspector.
He was in a gully off the main track and could describe his location to rescuers who were on their way to meet him.
