A Christmas present has saved two cyclists lost in Pureora Forest Park near Taupo.
The Rescue Coordination Centre said one of the riders received a distress beacon as a gift and activated it when they were unable to find their way back to camp.
Mission coordinator John Ashby said they had already spent one night in the open.
Mr Ashby said unfortunately they didn't register the new beacon, as legally required.
He said that would have given the rescuers an emergency contact who could have provided more information about the pair and their intentions.
