Sick trampers airlifted to hospital

Two trampers were airlifted to hospital after becoming unwell while walking in the Tararua Ranges, north of Wellington, this morning.

The Wellington-based Westpac Rescue helicopter, with a paramedic on board, was called to the Maungahuka hut at approximately 10.45am where a 64-year-old Levin man was suffering from shortness of breath.

"Despite windy conditions and nearby misty cloud we were able to land close to the hut," said helicopter crewman Colin Larsen.

The man was flown was to Wellington Hospital emergency department where he was being further assessed and treated.

This afternoon the rescue helicopter was alerted to a 45-year-old unwell Palmerston North woman close to the Penn Creek Hut and she too was taken to Wellington Hospital for assessment.

- NZPA