Family rescued from Tararuas

A mother and her two boys, aged 10 and 12, have been rescued after a cold, wet night in the Tararua Range.

The family had been walking on the Omega Track, in the mountains between the Wellington and Wairarapa regions, when they activated a personal locator beacon at 6.30pm yesterday.

The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) was able to reach the mother on cellphone.

Rescuers learned the boys had become cold and exhausted on the walk from Kaitoke to Alpha Hut on what was intended to be a four-day tramp.

RCCNZ search and rescue mission coordinator John Ashby said strong winds and torrential rain in the area meant neither the Westpac Rescue helicopter, nor police land search and rescuers were able to reach the trio.

The family spent the night in cold and wet conditions but have now been rescued.

"They have had a cold wait in very uncomfortable, wet conditions but they had sufficient equipment for a four-day tramp and that has helped them get through the night," Mr Ashby said.

"Without an emergency locator beacon to call for help, this would have been an extremely challenging situation for them."

- Newstalk ZB

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