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Two trampers rescued from Mt Cook

Monday 23 December 2013, 1:22PM

By NP Linked Taranaki

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UPDATED: Two Israeli trampers have been rescued from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park shortly before 10.30am this morning after an SOS text message was sent from the group at around 9am.

The men, aged 22 and 28, were tramping from the Hooker Valley to the Tasman Valley yesterday when one fell and injured his ankle, pulled back muscles, and scraped his chin.

Police Senior Constable Les Andrew said the two men spent the night below Ball Pass and waited to assess whether they could continue.

Police responded to a call for help after the trampers sent a text message at 9am to another friend in New Zealand, who called the search team for them.

Andrew said the rescue, involving a Heli-line helicopter and the Mt Cook Alpine rescue team, was straight forward although it was a "wee bit windy".

Once rescued, the men were checked by St John and did not require further medical attention.

Andrew said the pair were well prepared for their trip apart from their footwear. The two were now travelling to Queenstown where they planned to celebrate New Years.

Fairfax/infonews.co.nz