The party of six who were trapped by snow in Kahurangi National Park are safe and well after being transported by helicopter to Nelson this morning.
Two adult males, two three-year-olds and two five-year-olds, from two different families, were a little cold but otherwise okay.
They had set off with equipment and provisions for a one-night stay in a hut on Saturday, but became trapped by snow once weather conditions worsened.
The group then spent last night in a separate deer lodge.
A decision was made this morning by Police staff to send in a helicopter, which flew through falling snow, to uplift the group before the weather conditions worsened again.
Nelson Bays Police Sergeant Malcolm York says it is essential to check weather forecasts before setting out into back-country areas or the bush.
“Roads can be open and weather can be settled before you head out, but especially at this time of year it doesn’t take long before conditions can change and get you in to trouble,” he says.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre