A 21-year-old man has been rescued following a cold, wet night on Mount Ruapehu.

Police were called at 5pm on Saturday after the man did not return from a day hike up the mountain.

A search base was set up at Turangi and four search teams, around 12 people, searched overnight until 4am.

The search resumed at 7am and the man was found at around 12.50pm on Sunday.

He was cold, had a dislocated knee and was flown to Taupo Hospital.

A RNZAF NH90 helicopter, the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter, LandSAR personal, staff from Tukino Skifield and Ruapehu Alpine Lifts were integral parts in the search.

Local iwi Tuwharetoa were also involved in the search effort.

Taupo Search and Rescue Coordinator Senior Constable Barry Shepherd says the search teams did a wonderful job.

'Conditions were less than ideal with very little visibility, rain and snow, so all credit to the guys and girls at the sharp end.

'It's a timely reminder to other trampers and walkers in the area to make sure you are well prepared for the conditions, let people know where you are going and stick to your plans,” he says.