Police faced a race against time to rescue two runners who were lost in Wellington region's Tararua Forest Park last night.
The pair were attempting a 32km circuit when they lost their way, police said this morning.
Police Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) rescued the pair at about 7.15pm.
They were training for "an upcoming event" and had run from Waiohine Gorge before getting stranded in the dark on their way down Mt Neil, Sergeant Anthony Matheson said in a statement.
"They were lightly equipped, and sub-zero temperatures were forecast for overnight, so time was of the essence in finding them," he said. "Hawke's Bay Rescue helicopter delivered a LandSAR team to the nearby Mt Cone.
"The two runners were found stranded at about 1000m altitude and several hours walk from the nearest road.
"The pair were flown out of the park before it began to rain after they were found sharing a survival blanket, cold and shivering."
Neither required medical attention after being assessed by a paramedic, Matheson added.
He warned others to be prepared when heading out running or tramping in similar conditions.
"Forests like the Tararua Forest Park can be harsh and unforgiving during the colder months."
When venturing out this winter, Kiwis were urged to:
- Choose the right trip, acknowledging your limits.
- Understand the weather.
- Pack warm clothes and extra food in case of an unexpected night out.
- Stick with the group.
- Tell someone else about your plans.
- Take a distress beacon.
"Distress beacons can be hired for as little as $10 from many Department of Conservation Visitor Centres and outdoor tramping and hunting stores," Matheson said.
"If you have purchased a beacon, make sure you register it at beacons.org.nz."
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