A police search and rescue team and volunteers are searching for a 70-year-old man who ran out of water while walking a track in the Far North.
Eight police search and rescue members and 11 volunteers from the Far North were scouring a track from Takahue Saddle Rd to the Mangamukas, about 36km southeast of Kaitaia, after the man rang for help at 3pm today.
Sergeant Neil Pennington said the Whangaparaoa man travelled to the Far North by bus to walk the track but became disoriented and ran out of water after walking for seven hours.
He pitched his tent after calling for help and has sleeping gear.
"We're not concerned about him. He's done the right thing by calling for help and we know he's safe in his tent waiting for us."
Mr Pennington said the team would search the whole night if necessary.
Police were working from the summit of the Mangamuka Gorge and Mr Pennington said the search team was likely to find him tonight.
