Police have located two canoeists who were reported missing at about 6pm on Monday.

The pair, aged in their 60s, set off from Murupara intending to canoe down to the Aniwhwenua Dam.

The alarm was raised by the person who dropped them off when they failed to return from their trip.

Detective Sergeant John Wilson says a helicopter was initially used to search the Rangitaiki River from Murupara to Lake Aniwhenua.

He says once darkness precluded an aerial search from continuing, a raft was deployed down the river from Murupara.

'The couple was located at about 10.30pm by police search and rescue staff searching for the raft.

'The overdue couple had tipped out of their canoe, lost their paddle, and had become stranded in an area of the river surrounded by high impenetrable scrub.”
John says when found, the pair had made a makeshift bivouac and were preparing to spend the night out.

'Needless to say they were very relieved to see help arrive.

'They had a cellphone with them which they had used to alert a friend they were in distress, but this got wet, and was subsequently unusable.

'In this case the couple knew their limits and stayed put once they realised they were in trouble.

'However, they only had one form of communication, and when that got wet and no longer worked it made locating them much harder.”

Police boating safety tips

• Always take and wear life jackets

• Skipper responsibility – keep everyone safe and know a vessel's limits

• Take at least two separate forms of communication

• Always check the weather

• Avoid alcohol

Water safety

• Be prepared – learn to swim and use the correct equipment

• Watch out – for yourself and others

• Be aware of the dangers – obey all signage, warnings, and don't drink

• Know your limits