Searchers continue to be hampered by bad weather, and could be until tomorrow, as they try to reach two injured trampers in the Tararua Ranges.
The trampers were part of a group of three teenage girls and an adult that walked from Mangahao Dam to Te Matawai Hut on Saturday, Search and Rescue spokesman Andy Brooke said.
Two of the party had injured their knees and were unable to walk out.
The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter attempted to fly in yesterday morning but was hindered by low cloud and rain.
Police will wait for a break in the weather before attempting to return to extract the injured people, who are comfortable at the hut with sufficient food and equipment, Mr Brooke said.
They probably would not be reached today, but may be tomorrow, a police spokesman said.
Communications with the group has been difficult because they have been using cellphones which are often unreliable in the back country.
Between 130 and 180mm of rain was forecast for the Tararua Ranges over a period of 24 hours beginning last night.
