DOC volunteer walks out after cold night lost in bush

A deaf Department of Conservation (DOC) volunteer spent last night lost in a Hawke's Bay reserve.

Trent Bell, 24, of New Plymouth, entered the 800 hectare Boundary Stream mainland island reserve about 2pm yesterday to lay bait stations.

DOC staff began searching for Mr Bell when he did not return by 5pm and called off the search at 11pm.

Search parties went out again at 7am today, but DOC Hawke's Bay area manager Ken Hunt said Mr Bell walked out of the reserve at 8.30am.

"He was a bit cold but other than that seems to be fine," Mr Hunt said.

Mr Hunt said Mr Bell was very experienced and equipped with clothing and food and water.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY