A tramper has died this afternoon after falling down a bank and hitting his head in the Waioeka gorge area near Opotiki.
The 75-year-old man from Tauranga was one of a group of 11 trampers who left at 9.30am this morning for a day tramp. They were heading for the Nikau Flats Hut where they planned to have lunch before returning.
The man fell approximately 20 metres at around 12.15pm. An emergency beacon was set off by the group and the majority of them then waited by the river for help to arrive. Two of the party started walking out to raise the alarm an alternative way. The Gisborne Rescue helicopter responded to the beacon. They contacted the Police and flew the tramping party out.
A second helicopter from Whakatane then flew police officers and a paramedic in and the deceased man was winched out at approximately 6.30pm.
The matter will now be referred to the Coroner.
The man will not be named until next of kin have been informed.