An American tramper who was reported missing has been found safe and well near the Rakaia River.
Friends of Clint Hewitt, 32, reported him missing last week. He had last been seen heading North on the Te Araroa Trail last Wednesday.
He was intending to walk the trail which meets the road along the banks of the Rakaia River. Hewitt was described as a "very experienced" tramper.
Hewitt was found along the Double Hill Run Road late this afternoon.
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Advertise with NZME.Sixteen members of the Methven Land Search and Rescue group were deployed in unfavourable weather conditions during the search for Mr Hewitt when he was reported overdue.
Planning for a detailed search was well under way when he was located by a containment team.
Police expressed their thanks to the volunteers who helped find Hewitt and asked people travelling in the back country to take appropriate measures when travelling alone.
