A group of trampers who attempted to cross the Makarora River had to be rescued by helicopter on Sunday night.
Five people were out tramping near the Haast Pass-Makarora Road in Otago.
They attempted to cross the Makarora River during a powerful flow following rain in the area.
"During the crossing they became stranded on an island on the river.
"One person in the group was a strong swimmer so they swam across the river and raised an alarm at the Makarora township, " a police spokeswoman said.
