Tramper rescued after heavy rains raise river

A New Plymouth woman was rescued today after becoming trapped in the Wanganui River area of South Westland.

Irene Petrove went tramping with her dog on January 4 and was expected to be back by the 11th.

Hokitika police said heavy rains had caused the river to rise, stranding Miss Petrove at Hunters Hut.

Police said warm weather had accelerated snow melt upstream which caused the rivers to stay high for longer than usual after rains.

A police spokesman praised Miss Petrove for waiting for the river to die down rather than risking a crossing.

- NZPA