Beacon ensured a quick save

A tramper reported missing in the Kahurangi National Park yesterday was found injured within hours of activating his personal emergency locater beacon and flown to Nelson Hospital by the Summit Rescue Helicopter.

Rescue Co-ordination Centre spokeswoman Sophie Hazelhurst said the beacon was set off at 8am yesterday and traced to an area inland of the Heaphy Track and near the Trevor Carter Hut.

Ms Hazelhurst said the rescue helicopter was sent to look for the man, but rescuers were mindful of the "very bad weather" that was closing in.

St John Ambulance team manager Gary Tobin said conditions prevented the helicopter flying directly to the site.

It had to fly "behind the weather", which required a detour up around Farewell Spit and down the West Coast to the Karamea River. The crew then followed the river to the site of the hut.

The rescue crew found the man, who had fallen and injured himself.

He was picked up and taken to Nelson Hospital around 11.45am yesterday.

Helicopter base manager Tim Douglas-Clifford said that from the GPS position given by the rescue centre, the helicopter crew was able to pinpoint exactly where the injured man was.

"Our helicopter is fitted with a beacon tracking system which is able to track the new 406 beacons.

"This new system directed us straight to him," Mr Douglas-Clifford said.

Ms Hazelhurst said it was a "really good result and an excellent response".

A hospital spokeswoman said the man was treated after being admitted to the A & E department, and discharged.

- © Fairfax NZ News