Texts to Greece alerted rescuers

A rescue effort on Mt Ruapehu was mounted via Greece after a tourist lost on the mountain sent text messages home alerting family members to his predicament.

Marios Symeonidis, 30, became separated from his friend about 6.30pm on Saturday when he went for a short walk to take photos of a waterfall.

He was not equipped for an overnight stay on the mountain and was wearing only light clothing.

Mr Symeonidis sent text messages home to his family in Greece to tell them he was lost.

The family then passed the information to police in New Zealand through Greek emergency services.

"The texts stated that he was lost but not injured and at one point indicated that he could see a police 4 x 4 vehicle on the mountain," said Senior Sergeant Marty Edghill, of police central communications.

He could not get to the police vehicle because there was a stream in the way.

Four search teams, from Ruapehu Search and Rescue and Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation, were deployed on to Mt Ruapehu by foot. The Youthtown Trust rescue helicopter, from Taupo, also took part.

Mr Symeonidis followed a stream to Bruce Rd yesterday morning where he was picked up by another tourist about 10am and driven to where rescuers had gathered.

He was fit and well, but extremely hungry, Youthtown Trust rescue pilot Henry de Waal told the Waikato Times.

"He ate all of one of the guys' chocolate bars," Mr de Waal said.

"He was actually quite lucky that it was a warm night."

- © Fairfax NZ News