Teenage boys found after night in bush

Three 13-year-boys have been found after spending the night in the bush near Tuatapere, 87km northwest of Invercargill.

The boys were reported missing last night after failing to return to Waitutu Lodge, where they were staying, from a tramp to the Percy Burn viaduct.

Senior Sergeant Steve Larking, of Invercargill police, said the boys were picked up by helicopter about 10am.

It appeared they had walked further than they intended.

"But they are all well and were flown back to the base and will be going home from there," he said.

Mr Larking said a dog, that had accompanied the boys, had "managed to return to the lodge last night without them".

- NZPA