Murray Hewitson
Senior Constable Murray Hewitson, of Owaka, said a personal safety beacon was set off just after 3.30pm.
Six members of Catlins Search and Rescue tramped into the bush around the Tautuku Outdoor Education Centre to find the year 10 pupil, who was with a nurse.
Snr Const Hewitson said the pair were "reasonably well prepared" with warm clothing and a sleeping bag. He said the search team had to tramp through deep mud to get to the girl.
The girl suffered a suspected sprained or broken ankle.
St Hilda's Collegiate School principal Melissa Bell said 75 year 10 pupils were at the Tautuku Outdoor Education Centre, and one of the girls injured herself while tramping.
