Two young women have been airlifted to Auckland City Hospital after an incident on a school tramping trip in the Waitakere Ranges.
Rescue services rushed to a popular walking track west of Auckland after a group of 22 students and three teachers set off an emergency beacon early Saturday evening.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was sent to help the group, which was in the area of the Muir Track near Karekare beach, just south of Piha.
They airlifted two 16-year-old girls to hospital. It is understood they needed treatment for hyperthermia.
The group were off the track, police said.
Ambulance and search and rescue staff are with the rest of the party and are assessing options for the group to walk out tonight.
According to Auckland Council's regional park's website, Muir Track "is steep and in some places requires clambering around rockfaces and banks. It is recommended for experienced trampers only".
The 1.2km-long track is usually used as part of a circuit from the Whatipu carpark allowing people to link the Gibbon, Muir and Pararaha Valley tracks with the Whatipu Coastal walk.
The Muir Track rescue mission is one of two tramping incidents in the Waitakere Ranges that emergency services are dealing with tonight.
A 17-year-old girl suffered knee and hip injuries while tramping in a six-strong group on the Twin Peak Track near Huia.
The girl is unable to walk out and emergency services are on their way. The group are well provisioned and are in contact with emergency services.
