Tararua trampers rescued in heavy snow

Two people had to be rescued by helicopter in the Tararua Ranges north of Wellington after becoming lost in heavy snow.

Crew on the WestpacTrust rescue helicopter located the trampers at about 6.30pm today and flew them to Wellington Airport.

"The pair had sent a text message to friends telling them that their GPS batteries had died, they were walking through deep snow and were scared for their safety" helicopter crewman Dave Greenberg said. 

The 27-year-old woman and 31-year-old man, who were both from Wellington, were in good condition and did not require medical attention, he said.