Trampers rescued after being trapped on mountain due to weather

Emergency services were alerted after the trampers set of a locator beacon. Photo / File

A group of trampers has been rescued from a Canterbury mountain range after being trapped overnight.

Five trampers, including four women and one man, were winched to safety about 10.40am, Police Acting Sergeant Paul Spencer said.

"They are all well but extremely cold and are recovering in Methven," he said.

"The weather conditions in the area are deteriorating and we urge anyone planning a trip over the weekend to check the forecast and postpone if necessary."

Emergency services were alerted to three of the trampers about 11.30pm after they set off a locator beacon in the Mt Somers area.

The trio was unable to reach the Pinnacles Hut after snow levels reached 1.5 metres.

Heavy snow prevented rescuers reaching the group on foot and a search helicopter was unable to fly due to the weather conditions last night, Mr Spencer said.

The trampers had good equipment with them, including tents, and set up camp in a sheltered area overnight.

The two other trampers had arranged to meet the three women at the Pinnacles Hut and were rescued at the same time this morning.

All of the trampers were prepared for extreme conditions, Mr Spencer said.

The incident follows a group of four people who were rescued off Mt Ngauruhoe in freezing conditions on Wednesday, prompting police to warn trampers to be prepared.