Police have thanked search and rescue volunteers after two trampers were found safe after calling emergency services for help.
The man and woman started their walk on the Round the Mountain Track from Whakapapa Village to Whakapapaiti Hut at lunchtime on Saturday.
They alerted police just after 7.30pm the same evening when they became lost, police Senior Sergeant Grant Alabaster said.
Both were carrying some warm clothing and food with them.
While a helicopter was available, poor weather conditions meant it was unable to be used to rescue the pair.