Call DOC plea after hike help

After four walkers had to be helped down from Mt Taranaki, hikers unfamiliar with the peak are being advised to seek advice from the Department of Conservation before heading up.

The quartet was brought down by Search and Rescue teams on Sunday afternoon after getting stuck in snow.

The first rescue team reached the two men and two women on the Upper Lake Dive Track about

3.30pm, and they were taken to the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre about

6pm, New Plymouth police acting sergeant Andrew Wong Too said.

‘‘They were just extremely cold and tired,’’ he added.

Once they were assessed they were given some food and brought down to meet the other rescue team, he said.

‘‘It’s just an example of how people who are unfamiliar with Mt Taranaki should spend some time speaking to the Department of Conservation staff about their intentions and seeking advice so that they’re then likely to enjoy their experience in Taranaki, and that DOC staff can be assured that people are well enough equipped.’’

He thanked the volunteer Land SAR and Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue Team for their efforts.

The walkers, aged between 21 and 30, were intending to walk around the upper lake, and were equipped for a day walk only.

Two SAR teams went in to get them because the weather conditions were not suitable for a helicopter.