Four trampers overdue from a weekend trip in Rimutaka Forest Park, north of Wellington, should be able to walk out later today, police say.
The trampers, all aged in their 20s, went into the bush on Saturday but failed to come out on Sunday as planned.
Wellington Search and Rescue's Police Constable Brett Main said the group had been unable to cross the Orongorongo River, but water levels were now dropping.
"The weather in the area is good. It has not been raining and no rain is expected today," he said.
"Based on current information, it's likely the river's water level will drop low enough for the group to be able to walk out without our assistance.
"We're currently monitoring and reassessing the situation as the waters recede."
The group was reasonably equipped, but with limited tramping experience, Mr Main said.
