At 8.20pm last night, Blenheim Police were notified that a 25-year-old man had not returned from a day tramp up Mt Riley in Mt Richmond Forest Park.
The tramper called his friends after finding a spot where there was cell phone coverage and gave them his location.
His friends relayed this information to Police who deployed two Land Search and Rescue (LSAR) teams.
The man was located around 4am. He was wearing light clothing, was wet and cold and had injured his ankle. He also had a small amount of food and water.
He was given food and dry clothing before they began the trek down the mountain.
As well as nine LSAR volunteers, Police also engaged two volunteers from Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (AREC) to assist with the search and rescue operation.
Police would like to commend and thank the volunteers for their hard work. They worked through the night in freezing conditions and thanks to their efforts, the man has been found safe and reasonably well.
Police would also like to take the opportunity to remind people who are using the outdoors at this time of year to make sure they are adequately prepared with warm clothing, food and water.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.