Search for missing hunters in Kaimais

A footprint believed to belong to one of the missing hunters. Photo/John Borren

Missing hunters Mark Cooksley, 44, and Nathaniel Lane, 20, have been found.

The pair walked out of the bush and approached the owner of a house in the Kaimai Range where they called family to say they were safe.

Family and friends had been anxiously waiting at the Whakamarama Rd entrance to the Kaimai Range where the pair were missing.

The Plummers Point man and his partner's son went hunting early yesterday morning and failed to return by the planned time. They were reported missing yesterday afternoon and search and rescue teams had been searching all night.

Mr Cooksley's brother Brian Cooksley, 51, said the pair had hunted in the past but were not particularly experienced.

The group waiting were extremely worried but were hopefully as Mr Cooksley was a capable person who could look after himself in the outdoors, his brother said.

Brian Cooksley (centre) brother of one of the missing hunters in the Kaimai Ranges shortly before they hear the hunters have been found. Photo/John Borren

EARLIER:

Two deer hunters missing in Kaimai Ranges are being the subject of an air and land Search and Rescue operation this morning.

The two men, aged 44 and 20, reportedly entered the bush from Whakamarama Rd about 4am yesterday and were due to return at 9am.

They managed to make a cell phone call to family at 11am to advise they were lost, just prior to the cell phone cutting out.

Police said in a statement this morning that the men were not experienced hunters and had limited knowledge of the area.

It is understood they were equipped only with the clothing they are wearing along with a firearm and torch, and have no food or supplies with them.

Police SAR and volunteer Land Search and Rescue teams were activated and have been searching overnight in the bush.

A rescue helicopter was also initially deployed but had to suspend flying due to the adverse weather conditions in the ranges.

Additional search and rescue teams from Waikato have joined the operation this morning.
Media updates will be provided as information comes to hand.

In the meantime police urge anyone venturing into the bush to ensure they are well equipped for every eventuality and not just the planned activity.

With the summer season over, it is even more important to ensure appropriate, food, clothing and equipment is carried in the event things don't go to plan.

For more information on how to keep yourself safe visit www.mountainsafety.org.nz.