Five people were rescued off Mt Taranaki in just 24 hours including a person who plummeted 250m down the mountain and another with hypothermia. 

The rescues have prompted warnings from rescue teams to “plan for the worst” when trying to conquer the summit. 

Police said the incidents took place on Saturday with one person falling 250m from near the summit and who suffered a leg injury. 

They were taken off the mountain by helicopter to a nearby lodge before the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter flew them to hospital. 

The crews were already working to rescue three others who were at an altitude of 2300m. 

“Time was of the essence to reach them as the temperature was in the negatives with wind gusts of 40-50km/h,” Sgt Wade Callander said. 

One person had had hypothermia and all three were assisted in walking to a nearby lodge where all three were taken to hospital. 

“As the Taranaki Alpine Cliff Rescue team were coming down the mountain from the second incident, they came across another member of the public in distress. They were underprepared for their intended route, and the team helped them walk down the mountain. 

“Although we are pleased to have pleased to have provided a fast and swift response to help these five people get back home and safe, these incidents are a reminder to the public that the mountain is a dangerous place.” 

Callander said climbing Mt Taranaki takes “experience, knowledge, and properly fitted and correct equipment”. 

“Even the most experienced people can get caught up in situations where they need assistance. 

“Any day trip has the potential to turn into an overnight situation and those wanting to go on an alpine climb need to consider if they have the right equipment to keep them safe if something happens.”