Police and Hamilton Search and Rescue volunteers have found and rescured a family of four lost on Mt Pirongia.
The family were reported as missing to Police at about 8.50pm last night.
The group included a 36 year old mother and her three children aged 15 years, 10 years and 7 years. They headed off late yesterday afternoon for a walk up to the Pahuatea hut near the mountain summit. They followed a track from the Western side of the mountain.
They underestimated the time to walk to the hut and called for assistance after it became dark and they found themselves lost. They had inadequate clothing and equipment for the trek and hadn’t prepared for the forecasted inclement weather.
12 searchers from Landsar and Police were involved in the search.
The family were located on the track at about 3.10am this morning, they were well, other than being cold and tired. They are currently being walked out by the search teams.
Search and Rescue encourage people to use our parks and reserves for activities such as tramping, however, we urge those who do so to plan their bush trips, identify the environment they are entering, ascertain weather forecasts and mitigate risks by taking appropriate clothing and equipment with them. Information can be found on www.adventuresmart.org.nz.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre