Weather hinders rescue of injured trampers

Police are concerned the weather will hinder the search of the area. Photo / Thinkstock

A 50-year-old man and his 16-year-old daughter and two friends could spend at least another day stuck in a hut on the Tararua Ranges, searchers say.

The four walked from Mangahao Dam to Te Matawai Hut on Saturday, but the 50-year-old man injured his knee and could not leave the ranges, Search and Rescue (SAR) spokesman Mike Tate said.

The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter attempted to fly in yesterday morning but was hindered by low cloud and rain.

A SAR member was dropped as close as possible to the hut and walked two hours with extra food.

The weather in the area at the moment is poor, and is forecast to remain that way for the rest of today.

It was set to improve tomorrow, and an attempt to fly to the hut to bring the party out would be made, Mr Tate said.

Between 130 and 180mm of rain was forecast for the Tararua Ranges over a period of 24 hours beginning last night.