A hunter was recovering in hospital last night after being rescued from the Pyke River area in South Westland.
Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Co ordination Centre (RCC) tasked Aspiring Helicopters, of Wanaka, with a search and rescue operation after a beacon was activated by a hunting party of four about 10am.
RCC spokeswoman Jessie Davis said a member of the party who was ''unwell'' was picked up and taken to Lakes District Hospital, in Queenstown.
Wanaka police staff involved could not be reached.
A hospital spokeswoman said the hunter was in a ''stable, comfortable condition'' late yesterday afternoon.
No further details were available last night.
