Rescuers track blood spots to find tramper, 74, stranded on Mt Lockett for days

Rescue staff attend to an elderly tramper, found safe but severely sunburnt and dehydrated, on Mt Lockett. Photo / Supplied

A 74-year-old man who had been stranded on Mt Lockett in Tasman since Tuesday, was last night rescued after having a "nasty fall".

The Golden Bay tramper set off for his hike on Monday at the Cobb Valley Dam.

However, the man's daughter became concerned and notified police of his absence at 11am yesterday after he failed to meet her at their agreed pick-up location.

It turned out the experience tramper had fallen down the face of the mountain, receiving lacerations and bruised ribs.

A helicopter with Takaka police rescue staff began a search yesterday afternoon, and spotted items from the air on the side of Mt Lockett.

Once down on foot on the mountain, the rescue team located spots of blood and some of the man's items.

Yesterday eventing, the tramper was found. He was described by rescue staff as very sunburnt and dehydrated.

The Nelson Marlborough rescue helicopter was dispatched with a paramedic to pick up the tramper. He was taken to Nelson Hospital in a serious condition.

The tramper was experienced and well equipped with an EPIRB, but lost some of his equipment when he fell, police said.

Search co-ordinator Senior Constable Reuben McCormack said another night in the bush would have been fatal. He praised the man for his actions.

"While the man went through a difficult ordeal, we're pleased we found him when we did," McCormack said.

"Thankfully, this tramper has done exactly what you should do."

The tramper remains in Nelson Hospital.