German tramper rescued after hours lost in bush

A German tourist was rescued early this morning after becoming lost on a tramp in Nelson Lakes National Park yesterday.

Search and Rescue Sergeant Mike Fitzsimons said 19-year-old Ann Frehoe was tramping from Speargrass Hut to Angelus Hut when she lost her way towards the end of the day.

She was able to alert rescue workers by text messaging them.

Mr Fitzsimons said with nightfall and light snow falling on the summit, a Nelson rescue helicopter was dispatched with night vision googles and a search team about 9pm.

The team received messages throughout the night from Ms Frehoe and she was found at 1.55am.

Mr Fitzsimons said the tramper was cold but otherwise fine.

She was taken to Angelus Hut and she and the rescuers plan to leave the park today.

- NZPA