A lucky couple have been rescued from Nelson's Mount Robert ridge after spending hours stuck in the cold.
The couple were tramping to Angelus Hut when they found themselves on a snowy ridge in the darkness, just 700 metres away from safety but unable to continue due to their lack of alpine gear.
Luckily they were able to find an area with cellphone reception and called police around 8:30pm.
The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter was sent out and found them around midnight, cold but otherwise OK.
Police say the couple were fortunate, as they didn't have the right gear to spend the night out in the snow.
"This is a route in which conditions can change from being hot and sunny to strong winds, snow or rain with subzero temperatures in the matter of one hour," Sergeant Steve Savage says.
"There have been two fatalities in this area over recent years as well as numerous lives saved."
Police urge trampers to always be prepared and take sufficient clothing and equipment for an unplanned overnight stay. They also advise that torches, emergency shelter and personal locator beacons (PLB) are a must - as you can't rely solely on cellphones.
"A quality PLB can be purchased for under $500 which will last up to 10 years, that's $50 a year to potentially save your life, alternatively you can hire them from various trusts for the price of a box of beer," Sgt Savage says.
"The beacon shows rescuers your approximate location, taking the 'search' out of search and rescue. The sooner rescuers can help you, the more likely you are to survive."
He adds that trampers shouldn't be afraid to turn back if they can't make it to their destination, or have another location organised to tramp to in case the weather at the first location is not right.
People heading into the mountains should seek information about weather forecasts, track issues and snow conditions from Department of Conversation (DoC) visitor centres or via the DoC website.
Police would like to thank the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter crew for their efforts and assistance.
