Two tourists who had to be rescued from the Nelson Lakes National Park were totally unprepared for the alpine conditions, police say.
The men, who are from the Czech Republic, were crossing an icy ridge near Angelus Hut on Thursday when they decided it was too dangerous to either continue or turn back.
They called for help on a mobile phone and a Summit Rescue Helicopter crew was quickly able to winch them to safety.
Senior Constable Dave Colville says the men, in their 20s, had warm clothing but no mountaineering equipment, compass or distress beacon.
