Rescued trampers stuck just 700m away from hut

A couple were rescued by helicopter from a ridge on Mount Robert after spending several hours in the cold.

Police received a call from the couple tramping into Angelus Hut at around 8.30pm on Saturday after they failed to make it to the hut and found themselves on a snowy ridge in the darkness.

They were located at around midnight by the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. Both were feeling the cold but otherwise were in good health.

Sergeant Steve Savage of the Nelson Police said that although the pair were only 700 metres from the hut, they were unable to continue as they had insufficient gear for the alpine environment.

He said this is a route in which conditions can change from being hot and sunny to strong winds, snow or rain with subzero temperatures in the matter of one hour. There have been two fatalities in this area over recent years as well as numerous rescues.

Trampers were encouraged to be prepared and take sufficient clothing and equipment for an unplanned overnight stay, Savage said.

Police also advised all trampers and outdoor users to make torches, emergency shelter and personal locator beacons a must.