Island hermit ill

A man believed to be the Stewart Island hermit has been flown from the island to Southland Hospital in a serious condition after being found hungry and with no boots.

Halfmoon Bay Constable Nick Wells said a man was found in a hut in Abrahams Bay by a Department of Conservation worker late on Sunday afternoon.

And police later said he was a 36-year old Invercargill man who had been living rough on the island since September 4.

They say they will speak to the man when his condition improves.