Child survives 20m cliff fall from Canterbury’s Mt Somers

A child survived a 20m fall off a cliff at Canterbury's Mt Somers on Saturday evening. Photo / 123RF

A child has survived a 20m tumble off a cliff at Canterbury’s remote Mt Somers.

Police Search and Rescue were alerted to a child who had been injured on Saturday after falling about 20m “down [a] hill and off a cliff near Pinnacles Hut, Mt Somers”.

A child who survived a 20m fall down a hill and off a cliff was located near Pinnacles Hut, Mt Somers on September 7. Photo / DoC website

A rescue helicopter was dispatched and airlifted the injured child from the area. The child was then flown to Christchurch Hospital with moderate injuries.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said the service was notified of the incident at 6.28pm.

“One helicopter responded and transported one patient in a moderate condition to Christchurch Hospital.”

The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council wants to remind people to familiarise themselves with safety measures while hiking.

Mt Somers’ Track is a remote two-day circuit around the mountain, linking the popular Pinnacles and Woolshed Creek huts.

The track in to Pinnacles hut, near where the child was located, is more physically demanding and requires tramping experience.

It is an area known for being more hazardous in winter and early spring, when it can get ice and snow.