Hunter missing in Nelson Lakes National Park walks to safety
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A hunter who was missing in the Southern Alps south of Nelson has made his way to safety, say police. .
He had been hunting alone off the Rotoroa Track while other members of his party hunted the western side of the lake, said Senior Sergeant John Maxwell of Nelson Bays Search and Rescue.
A dog team followed what was believed to be Mr Manson’s foot prints, which led south toward the Sabine Hut.
Mr Manson had hunted the area previously but was ill prepared for the conditions, he said.
The Nelson Search and Rescue helicopter was also called in but was hampered by the inclement weather.
Search and rescue tracking staff continued to brave the conditions into the early hours of Sunday morning before the search was called off, Mr Maxwell said.
About 30 people took part in the search earlier today before Mr Manson walked to safety himself.