A mountain biker required rescuing yesterday after falling 10 metres down a steep bank into a river.

The Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter was dispatched to Pakihi trail near Opotiki at 4pm on Saturday to attend the 67-year-old female.

The location was in a steep ravine and the only access was to winch a paramedic to the site to administer first aid.

The Port of Tauranga winch was used to retrieve the paramedic and the patient and a landing site further down the valley was used to stabilise her.

She was flown to Whakatane hospital for further assessment and treatment.

The helicopter was used due to the terrain and no access.