Southern hunters rescued twice in three days

Two Invercargill hunters might spend a quiet Easter at home after being rescued from Fiordland bush twice in three days.

The men, aged 37 and 47, activated an emergency beacon on Tuesday night after being cut off by rising rivers.

They were winched out by helicopter and taken to the Te Anau Medical Centre, said senior constable Andy Grant, of Te Anau.

On Wednesday they were taken by boat back to the area to collect their gear and their own boat.

They were expected home that evening but after failing to arrive, their wives contacted police.

Mr Grant told The Press investigations yesterday morning revealed the men's emergency beacon and mountain radio had been left at their Te Anau motel.

A helicopter searching for the men found them about 1.30pm at the Glaisnock Hut, in a north-west arm of Lake Te Anau.

They had initially started the boat's engine but later mechanical problems meant they were unable to return as planned, and they had no means of telling anyone.

Mr Grant said the incident reiterated the need to have emergency equipment at all times.

The men were making alternative plans to recover the boat and police suggested that they be notified when the hunters headed back into the area.

- NZPA