A 40-year-old tourist was located at the Ikurangi track after a night in the cold, and police say it was not exactly a rescue mission for them since the tourist took care of herself and was still fit.

Police said she was capable despite going on her own and getting stuck, and a dog kept her company as she managed to be cautious about where to walk, and stayed safe overnight.  

Police media officer Trevor Pitt said the female tourist spent a cold and wet night on the mountain where she had gone for a trek up from the Tupapa water intake at Arai Te Tonga on Sunday.

He said she had managed to call Police by mobile phone on Sunday at 6.41pm to say that she was stuck heading up the Te Manga track, which was initially reported.

Pitt said she had maintained contact during the night while also trying to contact a local resident in the vicinity. 

He said up until just after 11pm, Police were still not able to locate the woman and she decided to stay put until morning. 

“Contact was re-established just after 6am Monday and the woman reported to be okay.  Police team resumed the rescue mission shortly.  She and the local resident eventually made contact with each other and then with the Police team.”

He said the visitor was transported back to her accommodation in good health and no medical attention was required.