Five Venturer scouts missing in Tararuas

Five Wellington teenage Venturer scouts are missing in the Tararua Range after they failed to meet their group leader yesterday afternoon.

Wellington police incident controller Constable Jo Holden said a search had not been launched yet as the group was well prepared and had intended to stay in the bush overnight.

"Based on the information we have got we are going to take a measured response at the moment," she said.

Ms Holden said the three male and two female venturers aged 18 and 19 had been told to walk down a creek and meet their leader at the bottom. When they did not make the meeting the leader checked huts and rang police.

The teens have equipment, including tents, food and sleeping bags, with them.

A search may be launched if the group do not make contact later today.

- NZPA