Missing tramper, 62, rescued

Rescue teams have brought tramper Derry Kingston safely out of Golden Bay's Cobb Valley after he was missing overnight.

He was winched to safety by helicopter about 3pm - 24 hours after he was last seen by his tramping companions.

Senior Constable Jerry Tonkin said Mr Kingston was wet and cold but generally okay and would not need hospital treatment.

"He's going to be reunited with his wife very shortly."

Mr Kingston was located on the side of a creek between the Cobb and Waingaro Rivers in a gully off the Lockett Range, Mr Tonkin said.

Mr Kingston had set off yesterday for a day tramp with seven other members of the Golden Bay Tramping Club.

He was separated from his party about 3pm. He had intended to pick up the group's car and collect the others.

Mr Kingston was a fit and experienced tramper who had helped police out in the past with other search and rescue operations.

- NZPA