Father and son fall 100m off cliff in Tauranga

UPDATE: A father and son are in Tauranga Hospital tonight with serious injuries after falling off a cliff at Omanawa Falls today.

The 37-year-old Tauranga man and his 12-year old son fell 100 metres off a walking track to the Omanawa Falls, a Trustpower TECT Rescue helicopter spokesperson said.

It is understood the boy fell first and the father fell while going to his aid. The father received serious back and shoulder injuries in the fall, his son received serious head injuries.

Both were winched using the Port of Tauranga rescue winch from near where they landed. Both were airlifted to Tauranga hospital in a serious condition.

St John northern communications shift supervisor Jackson Whitham said emergency services were called to the falls at 3.40pm before the helicopter was dispatched to the scene.

Fire fighters were also sent to assist St John.

EARLIER: Ambulance and fire trucks are on their way to Omanawa Falls in the Western Bay of Plenty after reports of a person in need of help on the track.

Fire service northern communications shift manager Jarron Phillips said fire fighters were going to assist ambulance staff with a patient on a walking track.

Tauranga-based TECT Rescue Helicopter pilot Liam Brettkelly confirmed the helicopter was on its way to Omanawa Falls.

The circumstances of the call out are not yet known.