Lost trampers found in Omanawa, Bay of Plenty

Trampers missing near Omanawa Falls in the Bay of Plenty. Photo/BoP Times - George Novak

A group of trampers lost in the bush near Omanawa Falls, southwest of Tauranga, have been found.

The five were found around midnight and brought out a police spokeswoman said.

Ambulance staff assessed them for possible hypothermia, but all were well.

Police were called at 7.20pm after the group failed to return.

It appeared they had left the track near Omanawa Falls and had been unable to find their way back, a police spokeswoman said.

She said police were in touch with the group and they had not reported any serious injuries.

It was not clear what part of the track the trampers left.

The waterfall, in the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges, has been closed to the public for several years and was only able to be viewed from a platform.

But people frequently try to climb down to the water, often resulting in injury.

Last year a French man was rescued after falling 10m before grabbing a tree, which stopped him plunging a further 40m.