Five young men have been rescued after getting lost on a walking track in Murihiku/Southland on Friday night.
The group in their late teens were walking along the Makarewa Falls track, in the Hokonui Hills, when they were caught out by fading daylight, according to a police spokesperson.
"They made the correct decision and alerted police via the SOS function on their cell phone before lighting a fire," the spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday.
Police were alerted to the group's plight shortly after 8pm, and search and rescue teams located the men just after midnight.
"The group arrived in the car park at 2am in good health despite some miserable weather conditions," said the spokesperson.
Police thanked the volunteers for their assistance, and reminded those keen on the outdoors that nighttime can change everything.
"What may start as a day walk could turn into an overnight trip faster than you might realise if you lose sight of the track."
