Trapped tramper rescued from Piha

The tramper spent the night trapped on rocks before being winched to safety today. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

A trapped tramper was winched to safety after spending the night on a rock ledge in Piha.

Emergency services were called at approximately 6.30pm when it was reported that a tramper was trapped on the rocks by the high tide.

His location was about 500 metres from the Blowhole rocks.

Piha Surf Rescue staff tried to get to the 23-year-old man but were unable to due to rough sea conditions.

A rope rescue or retrieval by helicopter was not possible due to overhanging ledges.

The tramper was guided to a higher position on the rocks above the incoming tide.

The man had warm clothes and a sleeping bag and spent the night in good spirits on the rocks.

Northern Communications Inspector Tony Wakelin said there was a lack of planning by the tramper.

"His actions in not making appropriate assessments of tide times and conditions has resulted in him being placed in danger and significant resources of equipment and staff have been deployed which could have been utilised eleswhere."