RNZAF joins search for missing trampers in Kahurangi National Park
Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) crew on a NH90 helicopter are joining the search for two trampers in Kahurangi National Park.
The NH90 departed RNZAF Base Ohakea this afternoon, with a crew of four and a medic on board.
They will search in the Wakamarama Range area, and will search along river beds and will also use night vision goggles to look for light sources, such as fires or torches, which might be being used by the trampers. The search area covers rugged terrain which is densely covered in native bush.
Police requested support from the New Zealand Defence Force as the RNZAF NH90 helicopter is well suited to flying in remote areas and has winching capabilities.
The NH90 can also be used to transport ground search teams within the wilderness area, particularly to less accessible areas.
A land search for the pair began on Tuesday.
