Three Department of Conservation (DoC) workers have been winched to safety from the Kaituna River forks, west of Collingwood.
One of the workers was suffering from hypothermia after falling while trying to cross the river.
The Summit Rescue helicopter flew him to Takaka for treatment, dropping the other two at the end of the track, where they were met by other DoC staff.
The weather in the area was poor with a forecast of deteriorating conditions.
