Injured trampers rescued from Mt Taranaki

Three trampers have been rescued from Mount Taranaki, two of them with serious injuries.

Police said the situation could have ended in tragedy had the weather not cleared, allowing a rescue helicopter to reach the trio.

Acting Sergeant David Bentley said the alarm was raised about 10:30am, with a rescue helicopter sent to find the trampers, who were all on different parts of the mountain.

Because of the weather, the helicopter winched in an alpine search and rescue team member, who walked down to find them.

One was stuck due to the icy conditions, with photos taken by a search and rescue member showing thick ice and snow covering a mountain hut and vegetation.

Once the weather cleared, the rescue helicopter was deployed again and all three trampers were taken off the mountain around 4:30pm and taken to receive medical care.

Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation, Taranaki alpine cliff rescue and St John were "invaluable in their efforts to help everyone off the mountain safely", Mr Bentley said.

"Without the Taranaki community rescue teams' efforts today and had the weather not cleared in time it was very likely the situation would have ended tragically."

Police search and rescue urged only extremely experienced and competent climbers to visit the area in current conditions.

"If you are heading into alpine or remote areas, please ensure you are an experienced tramper as anything can occur on the mountain," Mr Bentley said.

"Plan carefully and carry appropriate emergency equipment, including a PLB."

Taranaki Alpine Club Glen Hodges has been involved in searches on the mountain over the years and said the mountain was currently "glazed" with rime - an icy crust formed by the water from fog freezing.

"Anything above 1400 metres is really hard at the moment - you can't really walk on it unless you're quite skilled."