Missing tramper in Tararua Ranges located safe and well

A man missing overnight in the Tararua Ranges has been located safe and well this morning.

Officer in charge of today's search, Sergeant Jo Holden says 37 year old Ryan Dax Menton was found by a search team around 10:40am, after becoming lost in an area off the Kapakapanui Track.

"Mr Menton was located safe and well after spending the night out in the open. He had set off on the Kapakapanui Track yesterday morning, but contacted Police yesterday afternoon after becoming lost and suffering from leg cramps."

Sergeant Holden says Mr Merton also called his mother on cell phone and was able to text some images to her of the location he was in, which helped assist searchers this morning.

"Last night, some Police search staff, a dog handler and Police dog searched an area of the Kapakapanui Track and the Westpac Rescue helicopter also conducted a search, but Mr Merton was unable to be located, so we're really pleased to have found him safe and well this morning."

Sergeant Holden says, "It's so important that people their trip carefully, making sure someone knows what your intentions are. It's essential you take sufficient supplies of food and clothing and have a suitable means of communication. Cell phones also need to be fully charged before setting off."

She encourages trampers and those wanting to enjoy the outdoors to check out the Adventure Smart website for helpful tips - www.adventuresmart.org.nz