Missing tramper found in Tararuas

A missing tramper has been found wet and cold in the Tararua Ranges.

The male tramper, 39, rang police on his cell phone at 7pm last night saying he was caught in bad weather and was suffering early signs of hypothermia.

Palmerston North Police sergeant Bill Nicholson said the man was found at 9.40am in very poor weather conditions by a search team of two volunteers. The man's clothing was wet through and the search team have stabilised him.

A second search team has been put into the bush above Herepai Hut and will link up with the first team.

"We are hopeful of a window of weather so we can fly them out as soon as possible," said Mr Nicholson.

The Square Trust Rescue Helicopter from Palmerston North was on standby in Levin.

The weather was expected to improve throughout the morning.

- NZPA