Mum, daughter trampers found after night in Tararuas

Two trampers missing in Tararua Forest Park in Wairarapa overnight have been found this morning after being trapped by a slip.

The mother and daughter, aged 40 and 60, set off on a walk in the the Totara Flats area from the Mt Holdsworth car park about 9am yesterday.

However, they failed to show up up at Waiohine Gorge Rd by 5.30pm as expected.

Two search teams entered the park about 10.30pm yesterday and found the pair, about an hour's walk downstream from the Totara Flats Hut, shortly before 5am today.

Inspector Dave Rose of police central communications said the women got caught in a large slip on the track as they were trying to get out.

"They appear to be in good health, having spent the night out in some atrocious weather conditions," he said.

Heavy rain has lashed the area, with up to 150mm of heavy rain in the Tararua Ranges, flooding rivers.

Mr Rose said the women would be airlifted out of the park by helicopter after daylight and flown to Masterton.

Police earlier said the women were not equipped for an overnight stay and heavy rain was continuing in the area.