Trampers use camera flash to alert rescue copter

Three trampers were rescued from the Tararua Ranges in Wellington on Saturday night after using their camera flash to guide in a helicopter.

The three, believed to be Victoria University students originally from Germany, called 111 about 5.30pm after becoming lost during a day tramp on Mt Clime in the Tararua Ranges, Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter staff said.

They had seen the helicopter flying overhead earlier in the day and waved, though not in trouble at that stage.

After the 111 call, the on-duty helicopter crew contacted the pilot of the earlier flight between Masterton Hospital and Wellington.

"[He] was able to give us a pretty good idea of where he saw them so that pretty much led us straight into the area," said helicopter pilot Brendan Cahill.

The trampers used a camera flash to signal the helicopter when it was overhead in the 75km/h winds.

All three trampers were reportedly in good health but relieved to get off the mountain.

- NZPA