Eight airlifted from Silver Peaks

Eight people were airlifted from Silver Peaks near Dunedin early yesterday when caught in snowy, cold conditions.

The trampers, which included at least one American and two Canadians, were unable to locate Jubilee hut.

The group called for help about 9pm on Friday but had to wait until after midnight to be rescued because the rescue helicopter was hindered by bad weather.

Three of the group were taken to hospital with minor hypothermia.