Trampers rescued from Sth Island tracks

Three trampers have been rescued from the back country behind Hokitika after activating their locator beacons.

A 33-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman from Picton activated their devices late yesterday morning after a night stranded in the headwaters of the Kokatahi River.

They had spent six days tramping in the Toaroha Ranges and Cedar Flats area.

NZCC West Coast Rescue Helicopter pilot Angus Taylor said the pair were picked up between the Booboo Hut and Crawford Junction Hut when they became stranded by flooded creeks on Wednesday.

"The creek levels just made it impossible for them to continue and-or turn back. They'd had a night out in the bush," Mr Taylor said.

The track through the area was quite rugged although the couple was well equipped for the conditions.

They were winched out and returned to their vehicle.

Injured man rescued from Neave Hut 

A Christchurch man was rescued yesterday afternoon from the Neave Hut in the upper Whitcombe River, near Whitcombe Pass, after he slipped and ripped his knee the previous day.

Mr Taylor said the 60-year-old was a solo tramper who had hoped he might be able to carry on after his fall.

"He actually waited a day ... but it didn't get better."

The man was airlifted back to Grey Base Hospital.

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