An 85-year-old Blenheim man stuck while searching for gold in California was rescued after activating a locator beacon picked up by New Zealand authorities.
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand said the man was looking for a gold mine he discovered as a boy.
Rescue officer Mike Roberts said the New Zealand registered beacon's signal was received here about 9.30am on Friday.
Mr Roberts said they were able to quickly confirm with the man's son that he was in California.
He said they notified the Californian Office of Emergency Services, who found the man and his vehicle stuck in mud about 30km east of Paradise, California.
Rescuers freed the vehicle from the mud and the man resumed his search for gold.
