34 stuck in Central Otago

Police and volunteers are working to rescue 34 people stuck after weather closed in during a four-wheel-drive trip in country between Roxburgh and Garston.

Central Otago Police and search and rescue volunteers responded after being notified the group was stuck on Waikaia Bush Road above Piano Flat because of inclement weather and vehicle break downs.

Police and the National Rescue Co-ordination Centre were notified by two separate parties after they became stuck and were unable to proceed.

A land based effort was being co-ordinated after "extremely poor weather'' meant a helicopter could not be used.

Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, of Dunedin, said the group was understood to have warm clothes, food and shelter within their vehicles, but the welfare of several young children with the group had raised concerns for police.

"Police remind people looking to undertake back country adventure trips to ensure they check the weather forecast prior to going out.

"A simple check for weather warnings can be done through the Metservice website.''

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