Dutch tourist stranded on Mt Taranaki safely rescued

  • 22/10/2016

A Dutch tourist has been safely airlifted off Mt Taranaki after being stranded since Thursday.

The 29-year-old man climbed up to Syme Hut on Friday, but bad weather conditions prevented him from being able to come back down. He used his cellphone to call for help.

An Air Force NH90 helicopter was called in to assist with the search. Rescuers were in regular contact with the man throughout.

Dutch tourist stranded on Mt Taranaki safely rescued

A Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter landed on snow-covered Mount Taranaki (Supplied)

Flight Lieutenant Chris Ross says the tourist was in good shape considering the length of time he was trapped.

“The man was cold and hungry but otherwise fine. He was certainly chuffed to see us and he was able to walk to the aircraft on his own. We gave him a blanket and lollies and turned on the heater as soon as he got on board,”

Dutch tourist stranded on Mt Taranaki safely rescued

The Dutch tramper looks pleased as he boards the helicopter (Supplied)

Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue spokesperson Mike Johns says the tourist is doing well.

"He had sufficient gear to hunker down in the hut for the time he spent out there extra. It's worked out really well."

Mr Johns says the man was caught out by rapidly changing conditions.

Newshub.