Search parties have found two Wellington women fit and well after their unexpected night in the open in the Tararua Ranges.
[image:3454:third:right]The head of the Wellington Police Search and Rescue operation, Sergeant Anthony Harmer, says Anita McGonigle, 36, and Kim Dunne, 39, both of Churton Park, were located shortly before 2.30pm on Monday.
He says search parties, comprising the police and volunteer Land and Search Rescue teams, found the friends on the Waiotauru Track heading towards Otaki Forks.
"It's not immediately clear how they ended up on that track or where they were able to shelter for the night," Sergeant Harmer says.
"The good news is that they have been found and that they seem to be in good spirits despite their unplanned for night in the bush."
The pair set out on a day walk and failed to return by 6pm as planned when the weather deteriorated.
